The central government has approved a $2.5 billion interstate transmission line from Ladakh to Kaithal in Haryana. The five-gigawatt capacity renewable energy transmission line will be routed from Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to Kaithal in Haryana.
The transmission line is part of the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) project, aimed at generating 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030. It includes the installation of 713km of transmission lines, including 480 km of high-voltage DC lines and a high-voltage direct current terminal.
During the Independence Day Speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had declared the establishment of a 7.5 GW solar park in Ladakh. Following up on that plan, the government of India has now granted its approval for the construction of a transmission line worth Rs 20,773.70 crore.
How will the transmission line Help Ladakh?
The transmission line for evacuating this power will pass through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab up to Kaithal in Haryana, where it will be integrated with the National Grid. An interconnection is also planned from this project in Leh to existing Ladakh grid to ensure reliable power supply to the Ladakh, a government said.
The project will be connected to Leh-Alusteng-Srinagar line to provide power to Jammu and Kashmir. The project will entail setting up of 713 km transmission lines (including 480 km HVDC line) and 5 GW capacity of HVDC terminal each at Pang (Ladakh) and Kaithal (Haryana).
The project will also help in developing long term energy security of the country and promote ecologically sustainable growth by reducing carbon footprint. It will generate large direct and indirect employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled personnel in power and other related sectors, especially in Ladakh region.
The project will further contribute to bolstering the long-term energy security of the nation and foster environmentally sustainable growth by diminishing the carbon footprint. It is expected to create significant employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly, for skilled and unskilled workers in the power and associated sectors, with a particular focus on the Ladakh region.
WHAT IS INTER-STATE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM?
ISTS or Interstate Transmission System involves the transport of electricity generated from multiple energy sources across state boundaries through grid transmission lines.
The project allows areas with abundant energy resources to share their excess electricity with other regions having a high demand for electricity but lack access to energy sources.
India has set an ambitious target to increase the share of electricity generated from renewable sources to at least 40% or 500 GW by 2030. At present, India’s non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity stands at 156 GW, which is 42.5% of its total energy capacity.
In view of this target, ISTS plays a crucial role in the transition as the future of renewables is largely linked to the health of electricity distribution grids.
In order to achieve the ambitious target of 500 GW by 2030, India has taken several steps including investment in energy storage systems and transmission lines apart from laying solar parks and expanding other sources of renewable energy. The government is also taking steps to enhance the renewable energy capacity to meet the rising electricity demand of the country.
This ISTS is in addition to the Intra-State Transmission System Green Energy Corridor Phase-II (InSTS GEC-II) in various states, including Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. This project further aims to enhance grid integration and power evacuation capabilities, accommodating an additional capacity of approximately 20 GW.
India’s Renewable Energy Roadmap
India is taking concrete steps in the direction of enhancing its renewable energy capacity to meet the rising electricity demand of the country. At present, the country’s non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity stands at 156 GW, which is 42.5% of its total energy capacity.
According to the 10-year electricity plan, a total of Rs 33.6 lakh crore will be needed between 2022 and 2032 for the addition of new power generation capacity. Moreover, 12 coal power plants are likely to retire by 2032.
The government’s 500 GW target for renewable energy capacity by 2030 relies upon significant expenditure and effective implementation by not just the centre but also the state governments which are an important cog in the wheel of this energy transition.
India is taking concrete steps in the direction of enhancing its renewable energy capacity to meet the rising electricity demand of the country. At present, India’s non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity stands at 156 GW, which is 42.5% of its total energy capacity.
According to the 10-year electricity plan released by the government, a total of Rs 33.6 lakh crore will be needed between 2022 and 2032 for the addition of new power generation capacity. Further, 12 coal power plants are likely to retire by 2032.
Ladakh’s Solar Potential
Ladakh covers a sprawling 60,000 square kilometres but is sparsely populated, with approximately 1.34 lakh residents. This cold, arid region is characterized by a barren terrain of hills and valleys with very little vegetation.
However, standing at an altitude of 3000 meters, it offers a unique advantage when it comes to solar energy. Ladakh benefits from abundant sunshine, a virtually dust-free environment, and a climate with minimal heat.
Given its environment and low energy consumption, estimated over 100 MW for local use, Ladakh is exceptionally well-suited for the establishment of solar photovoltaic power projects. The surplus electricity generated can be supplied to other states, and this revenue has the potential to play a transformative role in driving the economic growth of the region. This not only secures the long-term energy needs of the nation but also promotes sustainable development while contributing to India’s renewable energy targets.
It is not an easy task though to harness Ladakh’s potential. The construction of the transmission line presents significant challenges due to the need to work at altitudes of up to 4,700 meters above sea level, where temperatures can plummet to below -35 degrees Celsius. Moreover, the region experiences low air density and extremely low levels of atmospheric oxygen. The tardy land acquisition process also adds to the hassle.
The project will further contribute to bolstering the long-term energy security of the nation and foster environmentally sustainable growth by diminishing the carbon footprint. It is expected to create significant employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly, for skilled and unskilled workers in the power and associated sectors, with a particular focus on the Ladakh region.
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