The government launched the Green Energy Corridor (GEC) project in 2015 that will aid India to develop 500 GW of renewable energy power capacity by 2030 and achieve a 50% share of energy from non-fossil fuels.
A Green Energy Corridor project will evacuate renewable energy from generation points to the load centres by creating an intra-state and inter-state transmission infrastructure. Hence, the Green Energy Corridor scheme includes the laying of transmission lines and the creation of new substations for the evacuation of renewable power.
The intra-state transmission is being implemented by respective states while the state-run Power Grid Corporation of India is implementing the inter-state transmission.
Green Energy Corridor project: Objective
According to the government, the scheme will contribute to long-term energy security and promote ecologically sustainable growth by reducing the carbon footprint. It will generate large direct and indirect employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled personnel in power and other related sectors, the statement said.
See also: FM announces India’s new Net Zero Targets in Interim Budget 2024-25
Green Energy Corridor project: Phases
Intra-State GEC Phase I
Phase I of the GEC scheme is being implemented by eight renewable-rich states – Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. Under Phase I of the Green Energy Corridor scheme, 9,700 km of transmission lines and substations are being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 10,141 crore, with the government providing Rs 4,056 crore as assistance. Most projects in Phase I were awarded through tariff-based competitive bidding. The initial deadline for Phase I was December 2020. It was subsequently extended till 2023.
Progress of Intra-State GEC-I as of July 31, 2023
Intra-State GEC Phase II
In January 2022, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved Phase II of the GEC, which will aid grid integration and evacuation of close to 20 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity across seven states. The Intra-State Transmission System Green Energy Corridor Phase II (InSTS GEC-II) is under implementation in Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. It is expected to be completed by 2026.
The InSTS GEC-II scheme targets an addition of 10,753 circuit kilometres of transmission lines and substations of 27546 megavolt amperes capacity, with an estimated project cost of Rs 12,031.33 crore. Of this, 33% of the project cost will be met as central financial assistance.
Intra-State GEC Phase II: State-wise plan
Latest update
Cabinet approves STS for 13-GW renewable energy project in Ladakh under Green Energy Corridor (GEC) Phase II
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, on October 18, 2023, approved the project on Green Energy Corridor (GEC) Phase II – Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) for the 13 GW Renewable Energy Project in Ladakh. The project is targeted to be set up by FY 2029-30, with a total estimated cost of Rs 20,773.70 crore, including Central Financial Assistance (40% of the project cost) of Rs 8,309.48 crore.
Keeping in view the complex terrain, adverse climatic conditions and defence sensitivities of the Ladakh region, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited will be the implementing agency for this project. A state-of-the-art voltage source converter (VSC)-based high voltage direct current (HVDC) system and an extra high voltage alternating current (EHVAC) system will be deployed.
The project will contribute to achieving the target of 500 GW of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuels by the year 2030. The project will also help in developing the long-term energy security of the country and promote ecologically sustainable growth by reducing the carbon footprint. It will generate large direct and indirect employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled personnel in power and other related sectors, especially in the Ladakh region.
FAQs
Since when is the Green Energy Corridor scheme being implemented?
The Green Energy Corridor (GEC) scheme has been implemented since 2015.
Which are the two schemes under the Green Energy Corridor?
The two schemes under the Green Energy Corridors are: (1) Intra-State GEC Phase I and (2) Intra-State GEC Phase II
What was the deadline for Intra-State GEC Phase I?
The deadline for Intra-State GEC Phase I was March 2023.
What is the deadline for Intra-State GEC Phase II?
The deadline for Intra-State GEC Phase II is 2026.
Which ministry is implementing the GEC scheme?
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is implementing the GEC scheme.
What is the GEC project cost?
For Phase I, an outlay of Rs 10,141.68 crore is expected. The total expenditure of Phase II is expected to be Rs12,031.33 crore.
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