Huge transmission projects approved amid green energy push

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₹6,600 crore, allowing them to receive bids. These include two mega projects – a network expansion scheme in Navinal (Mundra) area of Gujarat and the eastern region expansion scheme, which will cost ₹2,383 crore and ₹2,898 crore, respectively. The NCT has recommended these two projects for implementation to the union power ministry.

Both these inter-state transmission system (ISTS) projects will be have tariff-based competitive bidding. While the project in Mundra is expected to be implemented within 21 months, the eastern region expansion scheme is likely to be completed by 30 June 2026, according to the minutes of the meeting released on 27 December. The eastern region expansion scheme includes setting up an ISTS sub-station in Gopalpur, Odisha, to meet the electricity requirements of upcoming green hydrogen and green ammonia plants in the area, which are expected to have a cumulative demand of about 3 GW by FY26.

It was noted that an ISTS corridor would be required to supply renewable energy from outside Odisha to such industries to help meet their renewable-power purchase obligations. “Thus, keeping in view the critical nature of large industrial demand and quantum of power requirement it is essential that Gopalpur S/s is feed reliably from ISTS and with high capacity lines," read the minutes. The panel also approved projects connecting parts of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telengana, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha and other states to the national grid.