The Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) has been awarded the Bhadla-III Power Transmission project, valued at Rs 64.2 million. This project is crucial for evacuating 20 GW of renewable energy as part of the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Zone Phase-III. Handed over by REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL), the project will be executed on a build, own, operate, and transfer basis, with a target completion time of 18 months. The scope of the project includes the augmentation of the Bhadla-III Power Station with 765/400 kV, 2?1500 MVA, and 400/220 kV, 2?500 MVA interconnecting transformers, along with associated works. PGCIL emerged as the Transmission Service Provider through a tariff-based competitive bidding process conducted by RECPDCL. The company will be responsible for the complete lifecycle of the project, including surveys, financing, project management, design, engineering, construction, and commissioning. As part of the agreement, PGCIL has acquired 100% ownership of Bhadla-III Power Transmission Limited (BIIIPTL), making it a fully owned subsidiary. The acquisition includes 50,000 equity shares valued at par at Rs 10 each, along with all assets and liabilities associated with the company. In addition to this project, PGCIL secured two other power transmission projects in Rajasthan through tariff-based competitive bidding earlier in August 2024. These projects are designed to evacuate 5.5 GW and 8.1 GW of power from renewable energy zones within the state, further strengthening the region's renewable energy infrastructure. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) recently issued a draft amendment to the Manual on Transmission Planning Criteria, 2023, which took effect on April 1, 2023. This document outlines the planning procedures and criteria for developing India's electricity transmission system, ensuring the efficient and reliable transfer of energy across the grid. (Mercom)