Green Energy Corridor
The approval of the Green Energy Corridor (GEC) Phase-II for Intra-State Transmission System (InSTS) by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs is a significant development aimed at strengthening the transmission infrastructure for renewable energy in India.
1. GEC-1 Implementation:
- Phase 1 of the Green Energy Corridor is already underway in multiple states including Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan.
- GEC-1 is focused on grid integration and power evacuation, addressing about 24 GW of renewable energy.
2. GEC-2 Overview:
- GEC-2 is the second phase and will cover seven states: Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.
- The objective is to facilitate grid integration and power evacuation for approximately 20 GW of renewable energy projects.
- Transmission systems will be developed over a five-year period from the Financial Year 2021-22 to 2025-26.
- The estimated cost is Rs. 12,031 crores, with Central Finance Assistance (CFA) covering 33% of the project cost.
3. Objectives of GEC:
- Synchronize electricity from renewable resources, such as wind and solar, with conventional power stations in the grid.
- Contribute to achieving the target of 450 GW installed renewable energy capacity by 2030.
- Evacuate around 20,000 MW of large-scale renewable power and enhance the grid in the implementing states.
4. Significance:
- Contributes to India’s long-term energy security.
- Promotes ecologically sustainable growth by reducing the carbon footprint.
- Helps in achieving the ambitious target of 450 GW of installed renewable energy capacity by 2030.
- Creates direct and indirect employment opportunities, benefiting both skilled and unskilled personnel.
5. Financial Support and Cost Management:
- The Central Finance Assistance (CFA) covering 33% of the project cost is crucial for offsetting Intra-State transmission charges.
- This support helps in keeping power costs down, making renewable energy more economically viable.
