Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL), a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Power, has successfully acquired two Project Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), namely Rajasthan IV C Power Transmission Limited and Rajasthan IV E Power Transmission Limited. These acquisitions were finalized on August 19, 2024, after PGCIL emerged as the successful bidder in the Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) process, competing against various private sector players.
The two SPVs will implement critical transmission system projects for the evacuation of 5.5 GW of renewable energy from the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Phase IV (Part 2: 5.5 GW) located in the Jaisalmer/Barmer Complex. These projects are key components of the Government of India’s vision to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030.
Rajasthan IV C Power Transmission Limited Project
The Rajasthan IV C Power Transmission Limited SPV will establish a new 765/400/220 kV pooling sub-station at Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh. The project will include the construction of a 765 kV double circuit (D/C) transmission line and associated bays extension works at existing substations in Madhya Pradesh. This project is part of the Inter-State Transmission System and is scheduled to be commissioned within 24 months. It will also facilitate the evacuation of power from the 2 GW Wind Energy Zone (WEZ) at Neemuch/Mandsaur.
Rajasthan IV E Power Transmission Limited Project
The Rajasthan IV E Power Transmission Limited SPV will implement a transmission system project involving the establishment of a new 765 kV sub-station at Rishabhdeo in Rajasthan. The project will also include the construction of 765 kV D/C transmission lines and associated bays extension works at substations in both Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Similar to the Rajasthan IV C project, this transmission system is an Inter-State Transmission System Project and is expected to be commissioned within 24 months.
Supporting India’s Green Energy Vision
Both projects are integral to the transmission scheme designed to evacuate 5.5 GW of renewable energy from the Jaisalmer/Barmer Complex, specifically from Fatehgarh-IV (4 GW) and Barmer-I (1.5 GW) towards key load centers. These efforts are part of Power Grid’s broader initiative to augment India’s transmission infrastructure and facilitate the integration of green energy into the National Grid, reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
PGCIL, through its various Project SPVs acquired via the tariff bidding route, is implementing several Transmission System Projects on a build, own, operate, and transfer (BOOT) basis. These projects are crucial in aligning with India’s renewable energy goals.
PGCIL’s Expansive Infrastructure
As of July 31, 2024, PGCIL has commissioned and is operating 278 substations, with more than 177,790 ckm transmission lines and a transformation capacity of 532,446 MVA. Through the adoption of advanced technological tools, automation, and digital solutions, PGCIL has maintained an impressive average transmission system availability of over 99.8%.
