PGCIL plans for smooth inter-regional power transfer

Our Infrastructure Bureau

New Delhi, April 26 : THE Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) has chalked out a plan to integrate all the regions through HVDC stations/bi-poles and 765 KV AC rings in a bid to help in the transfer of power between regions without any constraints.

HVDC inter regional link already exists between the West and North, West and South and East and South. The HVDC link between East and North is under construction.

This will help extend the benefit of generation resources all over the country and to transfer surplus power in one region to a power deficit region.

As per an official release, the inter-regional power transfer capacity has been raised to 4,350 mw from mere 500 mw in 1992-93. For further strengthening of the national grid, high capacity long HVDC links and AC links have been planned for commissioning along with mega projects.

As a result, the total inter-regional power exchange capability is expected to increase to about 14,000 mw by 2004-05.

The inter-regional transmission capacity of the proposed National Grid is expected ultimately to be about 30,000 mw. Powergrid has planned to invest about Rs 80,000 crore for implementation of projects including those required for the development of strong and a vibrant national grid capable of transferring 30,000 mw by the year 2012.

To meet this massive investment plan, the Corporation has been raising loans from the market and international financial institutions. The ADB has recently approved a direct loan of US $250 million. The loan has become effective from January 10th, 2001. The Corporation is also negotiating a loan of US $450 million from the World Bank for implementation of its various transmission schemes.