In Short: The Indian Cabinet has approved the Green Energy Corridor (GEC) Phase-II – Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) for a 13 GW renewable energy project in Ladakh. This significant initiative aims to establish a robust inter-state transmission system to facilitate the evacuation of renewable energy from Ladakh. The project aligns with India’s renewable energy targets and commitment to reducing carbon emissions. By enhancing the transmission infrastructure, the government aims to unlock Ladakh’s renewable energy potential and contribute to the country’s clean energy transition.
In Detail : The Indian Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved the project on Green Energy Corridor (GEC) Phase-II – Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) for 13 GW Renewable Energy Project in Ladakh.
“The project is targeted to be set up by FY 2029-30 with total estimated cost of Rs.20,773.70 crore and Central Financial Assistance (CFA) @ 40 percent of the project cost i.e. Rs.8,309.48 crore,” read an official statement.
Keeping in view the complex terrain, adverse climatic conditions and defence sensitivities of Ladakh region, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) will be the Implementing Agency for this project. State of the art Voltage Source Converter (VSC) based High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) system and Extra High Voltage Alternating Current (EHVAC) systems will be deployed.
The transmission line for evacuating this power will pass through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab up to Kaithal in Haryana, where it will be integrated with the National Grid. An interconnection is also planned from this project in Leh to existing Ladakh grid so as to ensure reliable power supply to the Ladakh.
The project will contribute to achieving the target of 500 GW of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuels by year 2030.
The project will also help in developing long term energy security of the country and promote ecologically sustainable growth by reducing carbon footprint.
This project is in addition to Intra-State Transmission System Green Energy Corridor Phase-II (InSTS GEC-II), which is already under implementation in the States of Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh for grid integration and power evacuation of approx. 20 GW of RE power and is expected to be completed by 2026.
The InSTS GEC-II scheme targets addition of 10753 ckm of transmission lines and 27546 MVA capacity of substations having estimated project cost of Rs.12,031.33 crore and CFA @33%, i.e. Rs.3970.34 crore.
