Power Grid Corporation of India (POWERGRID) has invited bids to select a consortium partner to set up an interstate transmission (ISTS) project to evacuate 5 GW of power from green hydrogen/green ammonia projects proposed in Andhra Pradesh’s Visakhapatnam area.

The last date to submit bids for both tenders is March 30, 2026.

These tenders are for a pre-bid tie-up, and their award is contingent on POWERGRID winning the upstream tender floated by REC Power Development Consultancy (RECPDCL) for the evacuation of 5 GW of green hydrogen/green ammonia projects.

Tender I is for establishing the Pendurthi (Visakhapatnam)–Srikakulam 765 kV D/C line, Part I, and the LILO of the Kalpakka–Maradam 400 kV (quad) D/c line at Pendurthi.

Tender II entails the setup of the Pendurthi (Visakhapatnam) – Srikakulam 765 kV D/C line (Part-II).

Tender I

The scope of work covers the establishment of a 4×1,500 MVA, 765/400 kV GIS substation at Pendurthi, with 1×330 MVAr (765 kV) bus reactor and space provision for a 220 kV switchyard.

It also entails installing a 300 MVAr STATCOM with 2×125 MVAr MSC at the Pendurthi GIS, along with a control-switching arrangement for the proposed 1×330 MVAr bus reactor.

Successful bidders must establish the Pendurthi–Srikakulam 765 kV double-circuit transmission line, with 330 MVAr switchable line reactors (convertible) installed at the Srikakulam end on both circuits.

The scope also includes the line-in-line-out of the Kalpakka–Maradam 400 kV (quad) double-circuit line at Pendurthi.

Tender II

The project’s scope of work covers the establishment of a 3×1,500 MVA, 765/400 kV Khammam-II substation featuring a 1×330 MVAr (765 kV) bus reactor and space provision for a 220 kV switchyard.

It entails the establishment of the Khammam-II – Warangal New 765 kV double-circuit line; the Khammam-II – Pendurthi 765 kV double-circuit line with 330 MVAr switchable line reactors (convertible) at both ends of both circuits; and the Khammam-II – Khammam 400 kV (quad) double-circuit line.

It also covers the fabrication and supply of all types of transmission line towers, the supply of tower accessories, the classification of foundations for different tower types, and the casting of foundations for tower footings.

It also entails the supply and installation of an insulated conductor sleeve and bird diverters, if required.

Selected bidders must destring and dismantle the existing 765/400/220/132/66kV transmission line. They must also paint transmission towers, supply and erect span markers, and install obstruction lights.

The project’s scope of work also encompasses the use of heavy-duty composite mats to construct a temporary access road and equipment staging area, and to move heavy machinery.

The casting of a special pile/well foundation will be within the project’s scope of work.

POWERGRID will provide the design for the special pile/well foundation. If the selected bidders lack the necessary experience and do not meet the qualifying requirements, they may engage other agencies to complete the works.

Alternatively, POWERGRID may engage other contractors for the works. However, the bidders will be responsible for coordinating with the contractor to complete the works.

Selected bidders must not, directly or indirectly through their subsidiaries, partnerships, ownership, individual firms, or consortia, participate in RECPCDL’s tender.

The project must be completed within 27 months.

Successful bidders must also provide for the establishment, operation, and maintenance of the project under a build-own-operate-transfer model.

They must conduct surveys, prepare a detailed project report, arrange financing, manage the project, and secure clearances and permits.

Last year, RECPDCL invited bids to set up an ISTS to integrate 3 GW of renewable energy at the Ananthapuram-II Renewable Energy Zone (Phase-II) in Andhra Pradesh.