National Committee on Transmission (NCT) has approved a major scheme for network expansion in the Navinal area near Mundra in Gujarat.
The scheme is officially termed as “Network Expansion Scheme in Navinal (Mundra) area of Gujarat for drawal of power in the area” and is expected to cost around Rs.2,383 crore.
The project will be implemented under the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) route with PFC Consulting Ltd named as the bid process coordinator.
The scheme has been cleared by NCT but it awaits final approval from the Union power ministry.
This interstate transmission system (ISTS) will help evacuation of renewable energy from the Navinal (Mundra) area in Gujarat where high demand has been anticipated from green hydrogen/ammonia manufacturers, bulk consumers as well as distribution licensees.
Kutch Copper Ltd and Mundra Petrochem Ltd are some of the bulk consumers that are seeking to connect to the ISTS network, which will be the 765/400kV Navinal substation envisaged under the scheme. Besides, distribution licensee MPSEZ Utilities Ltd (MUL), an Adani Group entity, has also sought ISTS connectivity.
The major components envisaged in this network expansion scheme would be:
- A new 765/400kV, 4×1500 MVA Navinal (Mundra) GIS substation
- LILO of 765kV double-circuit Bhuj II – Lakadia line at Navinal substation (#1) [280 ckm]
- Installation of 1×330 MVAr switchable line reactor on each circuit at Navinal end of Lakadia – Navinal 765 kV D/c line (formed after LILO in #2)
The scheme is scheduled for completion within 21 months from the date of transfer of the project SPV to the successful bidder to be selected under the TBCB modality.
Two more schemes cleared
NCT has also given clearance to two more ISTS schemes to be implemented under the TBCB mode. As these schemes cost less than Rs.500 crore, they will not need power ministry approval. Here are broad details:
Scheme: Augmentation of transformation capacity at Bhuj-II PS (GIS)
BPC: PFC Consulting Ltd
Cost: Rs.428 crore
Implementation period: 21 months
Scheme: Eastern Region Generation Scheme – I (ERGS-I)
BPC: PFC Consulting Ltd
Cost: Rs.413 crore
Implementation period: To be completed by May 1, 2027
The first of the two schemes will enable evacuation of additional power from Bhuj-II Pooling Stations where connectivity applications have increased. Till September 2023, such applications amounted to nearly 2.5 GW, it is learnt.
Also read: Major RE Evacuation Schemes Planned For Khavda Region In Gujarat
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