INDIA – The Ministry of Power has approved 23 new interstate transmission system projects (ISTS), estimated to cost around $2.1 billion.

The approval from the Union Minister of Power and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will facilitate the evacuation of power from a total of 18.5 GW of renewable projects, reports NS Energy.

According to the Ministry of Power, the new ISTS projects include 13 transmission systems with an estimated cost of 1.95 billion, which will be developed under tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB).

The approved projects also include 10 transmission systems to be built with a projected cost of $150 million, which will be installed under a regulated tariff mechanism (RTM).

Overall, the new ISTS projects should enable the evacuation of 14 GW of power from renewable projects in Rajasthan, 4.5 GW of such projects in Gujarat, the 1GW Neemuch Solar Park in Madhya Pradesh, as well as feeding areas near Akhnoor and Jammu region by setting up the Siot substation in Jammu.

The Ministry said that the approval of the projects was granted following the review of the recommendations of the National Committee on Transmission and in compliance with the National Tariff Policy 2016, notified by the Indian government.

According to the Ministry, the transmission network expansion should enhance the smooth transfer of electricity from power surplus areas to power deficit regions.

The projects are expected to help the growth of renewable power-based capacity in Chile, reports NS Energy.

Source: NS Energy