NTPC will be augmenting transformation capacity at the switchyard associated with its Sipat super thermal power station (STPS) in Chhattisgarh.
The decision of NTPC being the implementing agency was taken at the latest meeting of National Committee on Transmission (NCT). The matter was discussed at the NCT-level as it involved NTPC’s application for ISTS connectivity for the new 800-MW unit that is coming up at the existing Sipat STPS.
This new unit is expected to commission by August 2029 and NTPC said that the new 800-MW unit will be connected to the 765kV bus in the existing switchyard of Sipat STPS, which is catering to all the existing units (3×660 MW + 2×500 MW) of the power station.
However, Central Transmission Utility of India Ltd (CTUIL) observed that the existing 2×1,000 MVA, 765/400kV interconnecting transformers (ICT) at the existing Sipat STPS switchyard are critically loaded and N-1 non-compliant in “solar max” scenario in the 2028-29 timeframe, even under reduced generation from Sipat STPS. With additional loading of 800 MW, the ICTs at the switchyard will get even more stressed, CTUIL said.
After deliberations, NCT decided that NTPC, as the owner of the Sipat TPS and the associated switchyard, will add a 1×1500 MVA, 765/400kV ICT, which will be the third ICT at the Sipat STPS switchyard. This will help NTPC evacuate from the upcoming 800-MW unit, as well as improve system reliability. The project is estimated to cost Rs.136 crore and has an implementation period of 24 months.
It is pertinent to note that as this switchyard expansion involves the interstate transmission system (ISTS) network, CTUIL had proposed an ISTS scheme called “Augmentation of transformation capacity at 765/400kV Sipat STPS switchyard in Chhattisgarh by 1×1500 MVA, 765/400kV ICT (3rd)” and had recommended this for NCT’s review.
Just like any other ISTS scheme, this could have come under the TBCB or RTM regime, but NCT decided that NTPC implement the project on its own.
Sipat STPS expansion
It may be mentioned that the board of NTPC, on September 19, 2024, accorded investment approval to Sipat Super Thermal Power Project (Stage III of 800 MW), at an appraised estimated cost of Rs.9,790.87 crore.
Located in Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh, the Sipat STPS currently has an installed capacity of 2,980 MW coming from two units of 500 MW commissioned between May 2007 and August 2008 and three supercritical units 660 MW, operationalized during the period June 2011 and June 2012.
Featured photograph (source: Google Images/Dinesh) is for representation only
