The Power Grid Corporation of India (POWERGRID) has won REC Power Development and Consultancy’s (RECPDCL) auction to establish an interstate transmission system (ISTS) to integrate 250 MW of renewable energy at Davanagere and 2.75 GW at Bellary in Karnataka.

The projects must be completed within 24 months.

The tender was floated in September 2025.

Apart from POWERGRID, Adani Energy Solutions, HG Infra Engineering, and Resonia also qualified in the technical bid round.

The projects involve augmenting the transformation capacity at Davanagere Pooling Station (PS) by installing 2×1500 MVA, 765/400 kV ICTs (6th & 7th). This includes two 765/400 kV, 1500 MVA ICTs, two 765 kV ICT bays, two 400 kV ICT bays, and one set of 400 kV bus sectionalizer.

POWERGRID must also set up four 220 kV line bays and one 400 kV line bay at the Davanagere PS to terminate dedicated transmission lines from renewable energy projects, comprising one 400 kV line bay and four 220 kV line bays.

It must augment Bellary PS with 400/220 kV, 6×500 MVA ICTs. The scheduled commercial operation date is set at 24 months from the date of the special purpose vehicle transfer.

The project also encompasses the development of six 400/220 kV, 500 MVA ICTs, six 400 kV ICT bays, six 220 kV ICT bays, two sets of 220 kV bus sectionalizer, two 220 kV bus coupler bays, and two 220 kV transfer bus coupler bays.

The scope of work includes establishing the Bellary–Davanagere 2nd 400 kV (Quad) double-circuit line, comprising two 400 kV line bays at Bellary PS and two at Davanagere/Chitradurga PS.

It must also provide for five 220 kV line bays at Bellary PS for the termination of dedicated transmission lines from renewable energy developers.

The government of India has identified 17 GW of renewable energy potential in Karnataka. Out of the 17 GW, 4 GW has been identified at Davanagere and 1.5 GW at Bellary.

Currently, transmission connectivity has been granted for about 3.9 GW at the Davanagere PS and 1.5 GW at the Bellary PS.

In August 2025, POWERGRID received a letter of intent from RECPDCL to establish an ISTS in Karnataka to integrate renewable energy generation.

In September 2025, POWERGRID acquired Davanagere Power Transmission, a special-purpose vehicle, to establish a transmission system strengthening project at Davanagere, Karnataka, to integrate renewable energy.