Bidding has begun for what would be the fourth intrastate transmission system (InSTS) scheme in Madhya Pradesh, being developed under the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) mechanism.
Bid process coordinator REC Power Development & Consultancy Ltd (RECPDCL) has commenced the bidding process for the InSTS-TBCB scheme officially referred to as “Evacuation of 1,230 MW power (MPPMCL portion) through STU network from proposed 2×800 MW thermal power project of Mahan Energen Ltd.” The bid submission date is January 21, 2025.
RECPDCL, on November 20, 2024, incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary “Mahan Transmission Ltd” that will act as a project special purpose vehicle to develop this intrastate transmission scheme project.
As reported by T&D India on July 16, 2024, state transmission utility Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company Ltd (MPPTCL) was exploring the possibility of deploying the TBCB route for building intrastate transmission infrastructure for evacuation from Mahan Energen’s upcoming 2×800-MW expansion project. Mahan Energen Ltd is a subsidiary of Adani Power Ltd.
Interestingly, bidding is also currently underway for an interstate transmission system (ISTS) scheme involving Mahan Energen Ltd’s existing 2×600 MW power plant. (Details presented ahead)
The InSTS scheme involves building two 400/220/132kV substations — one each at Rewa and Amarpatan – along with associated lines. The envisaged completion period is October 2026, aligning with the power plant capacity expansion project that is currently underway.
TBCB in Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh has successfully deployed the TBCB route for three intrastate schemes, witnessing the participation of Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) as well as private entities.
MP’s first TBCB project was the Bhind-Guna transmission scheme developed by Powergrid Bhind Guna Transmission Ltd, a subsidiary of PGCIL. The transmission scheme involving construction of two 400kV substations – Bhind and Guna – and associated lines, was commissioned in October 2022.
Subsequently came two more InSTS-TBCB schemes — MP Power Transmission Package-I Ltd and MP Power Transmission Package-II Ltd —awarded to Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd and Adani Energy Solutions Ltd, respectively.
These two projects are expected to add 35 substations with total transformation capacity f of over 6,300 MVA, as well as nearly 2,000 ckm of transmission lines. In fact, “Package-I” envisages what would be the first 400kV GIS substation in Madhya Pradesh, coming up at Mandideep.
Interestingly, RECPDCL has been associated as bid process coordinator for all the four intrastate schemes in Madhya Pradesh, so far.
ISTS aspect of Mahan Energen
As discussed above, Mahan Energen Ltd is also involved in an ISTS-TBCB scheme for which bidding is also currently underway. PFC Consulting Ltd, the bid process coordinator, incorporated a wholly-owned special purpose vehicle “MEL Transmission Ltd” to develop this project. This SPV will be transferred to the successful bidder selected under the TBCB mechanism.
The existing 2×600-MW power plant of Mahan Energen is already connected to the ISTS network. However, this connectivity was granted as per CERC’s Connectivity/LTA Regulations, 2009. Evacuation is thus being done by implementation of Special Protection Scheme (SPS). Mahan Energen has now applied for connectivity under GNA (General Network Access) Regulations so that power evacuation can take place without any SPS. This called for implementation of an interstate transmission system (ISTS) scheme mainly involving building a 400kV double-circuit line of about 110 km connecting the existing bus of Mahan Energen to the Rewa Pooling Station of PGCIL. This scheme, estimated to cost Rs.558 crore, has been given a relatively longer implementation period of 30 months as proposed line could infringe upon reserved forest areas.
Featured photograph showing MPPTCL’s Talakpur substation is for representation only
