Central Government Grants ₹20774 Crore for Large-Scale Power Transmission Project in Ladakh

Central Government Grants ₹20774 Crore for Large-Scale Power Transmission Project in Ladakh

Asif Iqbal | October 18, 2023 | 10:08 PM IST | Ladakh (Union Territory) | Follow on Google News

Central Government Grants ₹20774 Crore for Large-Scale Power Transmission Project in Ladakh. Image/NDTV

Transforming Ladakh’s Solar Potential into Reality

India’s Ambitious Green Energy Corridor Phase-II

Harnessing Ladakh’s Renewable Energy: A Path to Progress

In a momentous development, the Indian government has granted approval for the establishment of a ₹20,773.70 crore transmission line. This infrastructure project is aimed at efficiently evacuating solar power generated from a colossal 13 GW renewable energy project located in Ladakh, and transmitting it all the way to Kaithal in Haryana. This groundbreaking initiative is set to not only bolster the country’s energy sector but also drive economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Transforming Ladakh’s Solar Potential into Reality

Prime Minister Narendra Modi initially unveiled the vision of constructing a substantial 7.5 GW solar park in Ladakh during his Independence Day Speech. Following extensive field surveys, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) meticulously formulated a comprehensive plan. The blueprint calls for the establishment of a 13 GW renewable energy generation capacity along with an impressive 12 GWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Pang, Ladakh.

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India’s Ambitious Green Energy Corridor Phase-II

To successfully harness and distribute this immense power output, a state-of-the-art inter-state transmission infrastructure is deemed essential. This visionary endeavor aligns with the Green Energy Corridor (GEC) Phase-II – Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) initiative. As confirmed by Information & Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given its resounding approval for this momentous undertaking.

Harnessing Ladakh’s Renewable Energy: A Path to Progress

The project’s completion is set as a target for the financial year 2029-30. It comes with an estimated price tag of ₹20,773.70 crore, backed by a substantial 40% central financial assistance amounting to ₹8,309.48 crore.

According to sources, the project is anticipated to be awarded by March 2025.India’s Energy Evolution

The transmission line earmarked for the evacuation of power will traverse Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, ultimately converging in Kaithal, Haryana, where it will integrate seamlessly with the national grid. An additional interconnection from the Leh project to the existing Ladakh grid is also on the horizon to ensure a consistent power supply to the region.This initiative promises to set up an extensive 713 km transmission line, which includes an impressive 480 km HVDC line, and a capacity of 5 GW HVDC terminal at both Pang in Ladakh and Kaithal in Haryana. This colossal effort is not just about powering homes but a testament to India’s dedication to environmental conservation.

India’s Path to a Greener Future

This transformative project contributes significantly to India’s pledge to achieve 500 GW of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuels by the year 2030. Furthermore, it brings with it a promise of large-scale direct and indirect employment opportunities, encompassing both skilled and unskilled personnel in the power sector and related fields. The Ladakh region, in particular, is poised to witness an economic upturn through this endeavor.

India’s Ambitious Green Energy Corridor Phase-III

t’s important to note that this project operates in tandem with the Intra-State Transmission System Green Energy Corridor Phase-II (InSTS GEC-II), which is already underway in various Indian states. These regions include Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. The InSTS GEC-II is working towards grid integration and power evacuation, aiming to accommodate approximately 20 GW of energy.

Overcoming Challenges for a Sustainable Future

This momentous transmission project, while promising, comes with its share of formidable challenges. These hurdles include construction at altitudes of up to 4,700 meters above mean sea level, harsh ambient temperatures plummeting below -35 degrees Celsius, low air density, and exceptionally low atmospheric oxygen levels. These challenges underscore the tremendous commitment of India in its journey toward a greener and more sustainable future.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.