PGCIL & DRAIPL Secure 3.5 GW Renewable Project in Rajasthan

29 Nov 2024 CW Team

The Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) and Dineshchandra R Agarwal Infracon (DRAIPL) have secured Parts A and B of the transmission project initiated by REC Power Development and Consultancy (RECPDCL) to facilitate the evacuation of 3.5 GW of power from Rajasthan's renewable energy zone. This project was awarded under tariff-based competitive bidding on a build, own, operate, and transfer (BOOT) basis.

The tender for the project was issued in July 2024.

PGCIL emerged as the successful bidder among competitors such as Sterlite Grid 32 and Adani Energy Solutions. The project involves setting up a 765/400 kV substation near Ghiror in Mainpuri district, Uttar Pradesh, constructing 765 kV and 400 kV transmission lines across Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, and enhancing existing substations in both states.

DRAIPL won Part B, competing with PGCIL, Sterlite Grid 32, and Adani Energy Solutions. This segment involves establishing a 765/400 kV, 2×1500 MVA substation near Merta (Merta-II Substation) with 2×240 MVAr (765 kV) and 2×125 MVAr (420 kV) bus reactors.

For both Parts A and B, the project includes tasks such as planning, financing, obtaining permits, land acquisition, designing, engineering, procuring materials, construction, testing, commissioning, and maintaining the transmission system.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, in collaboration with the Solar Energy Corporation of India, has identified renewable energy zones with a total capacity of 181.5 GW across eight states for implementation by 2030. Rajasthan alone has a renewable energy potential of 75 GW, comprising 15 GW of wind energy and 60 GW of solar energy.

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