India achieved 85% of the targeted transmission line capacity and over 100 percent in transformer capacity in the five-year period between 2017-2022, says the National Electricity Plan - II of the Central Electricity Commission (CEA).
About 1,04,400 circuit kilometres (ckm) of transmission lines and 3,27,889 MVA ((Megavolt Ampere) of transformation capacity in sub-stations at 220 kV and above voltage levels were planned to be added during 2017-22. Against this target, 88,865 ckm (85% of the target) of transmission lines and 349,685 MVA transformation capacity (107% of the target) has been added during 2017-22. In addition, 14,000 MW of HVDC bi-pole capacity as planned has also been added during 2017-22, says CEA.
At the end of March 31, 2022, the length of transmission lines and transformation capacity in sub-stations (220 kV and above voltage level) was 4,56,716 ckm and 10,70,950 MVA respectively. The HVDC bi-pole capacity including back-to-back capacity was 33,500 MW.
Few of the planned transmission systems got delayed because of Right-of-Way (RoW) issues, delay in getting forest clearance, contractual issues, delay in land acquisition for sub-stations, COVID-19 pandemic etc. In addition, some transmission system not included in the target were commissioned during 2017-22.
Based on the planned generation capacity addition and projected electricity demand of over 600 gigawatts (GW), the CEA suggests adding 1,14,687 ckm of transmission lines and 7,76,330 MVA of transformation capacity (220 kV and above voltage levels) during the period 2022-27. In addition, 1,000 MW of HVDC bi-pole capacity is also planned to be added during 2022-27.
