Powergrid Corporation of India (POWERGRID) has won three interstate transmission system (ISTS) projects in the tariff-based competitive bidding process.

The company won the first project for a transmission system to evacuate power from solar energy zones in Rajasthan (8.1 GW), under Phase-II Part E on a build, own, operate and maintain basis.

The project involves establishing a 756 kV D/C transmission line along with associated line bays in the state.

POWERGRID  was also declared the successful bidder to set up an interstate transmission system for two projects in the western region of the country on a build, own, operate and transfer basis.

The first project is the Western Region Expansion Scheme-XXVII (WRES-XXVII). POWERGRID will lay a 400 kV D/C transmission line passing through Chhattisgarh along with bays extension works at two sub-stations.

The second project will be executed in two parts— WRES-XXVIII and WRES-XXIX. The scope of work comprises bays extension works and creation of 220 kV voltage at two sub-stations in Chhattisgarh.

POWERGRID announced that it had recently approved an investment of ₹5.24 billion (~$64 million) for the Eastern Region Expansion Scheme-XXIX (ERES-XXIX). The project is scheduled for commissioning by November 2025.

It also approved an investment of ₹35.47 billion (~$432 million) to set up a transmission system for the Kurnool Wind Energy Zone/Solar Energy Zone in Andhra Pradesh. The project will be executed in two parts and is scheduled to be commissioned by November 2024.

Last year, POWERGRID  Chairman and Managing Director K Sreekant said India plans to invest ₹2.8 trillion ($34.2 billion) by 2030 to set up an ISTS network to evacuate renewable energy. The investment, comprising grants and funds, aims to  strengthen the infrastructure at the distribution level and implement various cost-reduction measures.

Last December,  POWERGRID  approved an investment of ₹3.31 billion ($39.9 million) to set up a transmission system to evacuate 20 GW of power from renewable energy zones in Rajasthan under Phase-III Part-J.