EPTA Pushes for Offshore Wind Bidding

08 Aug 2024 CW Team

The proposed transmission system for Offshore Wind Zone Phase-I in Gujarat involves an estimated investment of ?68.86 billion. This project includes developing a 400 kV Double Circuit (D/C) Transmission System from the Onshore Pooling Station at Mahuva to Vataman, a 400/220 kV Onshore Pooling Station at Mahuva, and a 220/66 kV Offshore Pooling Station (B3-OSS-1). The latter will involve the installation of 3-core 220 kV undersea and underground cables.

Similarly, the transmission system for the 1 GW Offshore Wind Farm Phase-I in Tamil Nadu is estimated at ?114.85 billion. This project encompasses a 400 kV D/C Transmission System from the Onshore Pooling Station at Avaraikulam to Tuticorin, a 400/230 kV Onshore Pooling Station at Avaraikulam, and two offshore substations. The connectivity of these offshore substations to the onshore station will be facilitated via 3-core 220 kV sub-sea cables.

EPTA has outlined several reasons for advocating the TBCB mode for these projects. Firstly, the timeline for these offshore wind projects is non-urgent, providing ample time for developers to implement the schemes. The 500 MW VGF project off the Gujarat coast is scheduled for commissioning by March 2028, with the tender to be published by March 2024. Similarly, the 500 MW VGF project off the Tamil Nadu coast is set for commissioning by March 2029, with the tender to be published by March 2025.

Moreover, EPTA highlights that Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) has no prior experience with undersea transmission projects, placing it on an equal footing with private players in terms of the technical expertise required. The competitive route for developer selection would ensure fair opportunities for both public and private entities.

The association also emphasizes the capacity creation potential, citing the government's strategy to auction 37 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030. Allowing private players to compete in these projects would foster technical knowledge acquisition and collaborations, essential for future developments.

EPTA's request, if approved, could mark a significant step towards enhancing India's offshore wind energy infrastructure, promoting renewable energy growth, and ensuring competitive fairness in project implementation.

Your next big infra connection is waiting at RAHSTA 2025 – Asia’s Biggest Roads & Highways Expo, Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. Don’t miss out!

The Electricity Power Transmission Association (EPTA) has formally requested the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) to implement new transmission schemes for offshore wind farms in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu under the Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) mode. This request was made following the agenda discussed during the 20th NCT Meeting held on June 25, 2024. The proposed transmission system for Offshore Wind Zone Phase-I in Gujarat involves an estimated investment of ?68.86 billion. This project includes developing a 400 kV Double Circuit (D/C) Transmission System from the Onshore Pooling Station at Mahuva to Vataman, a 400/220 kV Onshore Pooling Station at Mahuva, and a 220/66 kV Offshore Pooling Station (B3-OSS-1). The latter will involve the installation of 3-core 220 kV undersea and underground cables. Similarly, the transmission system for the 1 GW Offshore Wind Farm Phase-I in Tamil Nadu is estimated at ?114.85 billion. This project encompasses a 400 kV D/C Transmission System from the Onshore Pooling Station at Avaraikulam to Tuticorin, a 400/230 kV Onshore Pooling Station at Avaraikulam, and two offshore substations. The connectivity of these offshore substations to the onshore station will be facilitated via 3-core 220 kV sub-sea cables. EPTA has outlined several reasons for advocating the TBCB mode for these projects. Firstly, the timeline for these offshore wind projects is non-urgent, providing ample time for developers to implement the schemes. The 500 MW VGF project off the Gujarat coast is scheduled for commissioning by March 2028, with the tender to be published by March 2024. Similarly, the 500 MW VGF project off the Tamil Nadu coast is set for commissioning by March 2029, with the tender to be published by March 2025. Moreover, EPTA highlights that Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) has no prior experience with undersea transmission projects, placing it on an equal footing with private players in terms of the technical expertise required. The competitive route for developer selection would ensure fair opportunities for both public and private entities. The association also emphasizes the capacity creation potential, citing the government's strategy to auction 37 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030. Allowing private players to compete in these projects would foster technical knowledge acquisition and collaborations, essential for future developments. EPTA's request, if approved, could mark a significant step towards enhancing India's offshore wind energy infrastructure, promoting renewable energy growth, and ensuring competitive fairness in project implementation.

Real Estate

04 Sep 2025

Mumbai Records 11,230 Property Deals in August 2025

Mumbai’s property market remained resilient in August 2025, with 11,230 property registrations recorded under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) jurisdiction, according to data released by Knight Frank India. While this marks a 3 per cent year-on-year (YoY) decline compared to 11,631 registrations in August 2024, activity stayed robust despite the marginal dip.On a month-on-month (MoM) basis, registrations fell 11 per cent from 12,579 deals in July 2025, indicating seasonal moderation. However, the city’s stamp duty collections still reached Rs 10 billion, reflecting a 6 per cent..

Infrastructure Transport

04 Sep 2025

68 Jammu-Katra Trains Cancelled Amid Rain Damage

Jammu and Katra railway services remain severely affected as Northern Railway announced the cancellation of 68 trains—both incoming and outgoing—until 30 September, due to extensive track damage caused by heavy rains and flash floods. Meanwhile, 24 trains are scheduled to resume operations gradually.The Jammu railway division has experienced a complete halt in services for the past eight days, following track misalignment and breaches at several points along the Pathankot–Jammu section. Torrential rainfall since 26 August led to widespread flooding and damage, stranding hundreds of passe..

Infrastructure Transport

04 Sep 2025

Bangalore Metro MD Reviews Reach 6 and Phase 2A Progress

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) Managing Director, Dr J Ravishankar, IAS, conducted inspections of key metro corridors on 29 and 30 August, reviewing the progress of Reach 6 (Pink Line) and Phase 2A (Blue Line).On 30 August, the inspection covered Reach 6, a 21.39-km corridor stretching from Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara, with 18 stations. This stretch is part of Phase 2 of the Bangalore Metro project. Dr Ravishankar assessed the status of civil works, finishing, track laying, and system integration between Kalena Agrahara and MG Road.Earlier, on 29 August, the MD inspected Phas..