The National Committee on Transmission (NCT), in its latest meeting, has recommended the implementation of a component of the “Eastern Region Expansion Scheme” under the TBCB route.
Termed as “Eastern Region Expansion Scheme XXXIX” or “ERES XXXIX,” the scheme is expected to cost around Rs.2,898 crore and has an envisaged completion date of June 30, 2026. NCT has named REC Power Development & Consultancy Ltd (RECPDCL) has the bid process coordinator.
As the scheme costs over Rs.500 crore, its implementation will need the final approval of the Union power ministry. By itself, NCT is empowered to clear interstate transmission schemes envisaged to cost between Rs.100 crore and Rs.500 crore. Central Transmission Utility of India Ltd (CTUIL) is authorized to clear scheme costing up to Rs.100 crore. In each case, the approval also entails the mode of implementation – whether TBCB or RTM.
Project Components
ERES XXXIX mainly involves setting up of a new 765/400kV, 2×1500 MVA GIS substation at Gopalpur in Odisha along with a 765kV double-circuit line running 205 km from PGCIL’s existing 765kV Angul substation to the proposed Gopalpur substation. Suitable extensions are also envisaged at PGCIL’s Angul substation and the upcoming 400kV Gopalpur substation of Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (OPTCL). Incidentally, OPTCL’s Gopalpur substation has been taken up for implementation and is likely to be awarded by March 2024.
There will therefore be two substations at Gopalpur – 765/400kV interstate (to be developed by successful bidder of ERES XXXIX) and 400/22okV intrastate (to be built by OPTCL). The two substations will be interconnected via a 20-km line.
Project Rationale
The Odisha government had requested an ISTS substation at Gopalpur to meet the electricity requirements of upcoming green hydrogen and green ammonia plants that are envisaged to have cumulative demand of 3 GW by FY26. There was therefore need to create an ISTS corridor so that industrial consumers in Gopalpur could meet their renewable energy requirements from the ISTS network through high-capacity lines. Accordingly, ERES XXXIX came into being with the 765kV Gopalpur substation and the Gopalpur-Angul line as its main components.
ERES XXXIV
On the lines of the ERES XXXIX that will meet RE requirement at Gopalpur, another scheme ERES XXXIV, currently under bidding, has been envisaged for industrial consumers at Paradeep.
Also read:NCT To Deliberate On Completion Schedule Of HVDC-Based Project In Rajasthan
Featured photograph (source: Renew Power) is for representation only.
