Second Circuit of 765 kV Raichur-Sholapur Transmission Line at an advanced stage of completion

The second circuit of the 765 kV Raichur-Sholapur transmission line is at an advanced stage of completion and once completed, it will greatly enhance the inter-regional capacity for transmission of power to the southern states. This was stated by Mr.Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister of State for Power (I/C) at a function of National Awards for Meritorious Performance in the Power Sector in New Delhi . The Minister said that once this circuit become operational, it will become possible to transport surplus power for the benefit of all states of the southern region. 

Mr.Scindia revealed that India has now one of the largest operating synchronous grids in the world after the southern grid was synchronously connected to the National Grid through Raichur-Sholapur 765 kV line, recently. The Minister disclosed that some of the key initiatives of the Union Ministry of Power in the transmission sector include provision of National Grid with unconstrained inter-regional transfer of power, availability of open access, adoption of new technologies of extra high voltage level of 765 kV system and HVDC system, and also public/private partnership in transmission projects. 

Highlighting the achievements in the area of generation capacity addition, the Minister said that the Government has been very proactive in taking initiatives such as facilitating developers to obtain various clearances and fuel linkages, augmentation of existing indigenous manufacturing capacity and also incentivize large number of players in manufacture plants and equipment with latest technology interventions. Because of these steps, the country has been able to add about 21 GW during 2012-13 which was the highest record capacity addition in a year so far. The installed generation capacity has now reached 234 GW, he added. 

The Minister highlighted the steps taken by the Government to improve the efficiency of the entire chain of the electricity sector including generation, transmission, distribution and usage of electricity by the consumer. Construction of new power projects based upon supercritical technology is an important step in this direction. It is envisaged that in 13th Plan most of the thermal generating units will be based upon supercritical technology, he said. This will reduce the requirement of coal per MW, lower auxiliary consumption and reduce the carbon foot print. Further, regulations are being strictly implemented for lesser emission of pollutants. 

The Minister added that under Reforms & Re-structuring, the amendments to the Electricity Act, 2003 are under finalization which would enable further improvement in grid security, efficiency of distribution sector through separation of carriage and content and rationalization of tariff. 

At the function, the awards were given to power utilities in various categories like Performance awards, awards for early completion of projects, transmission systems, Performance awards to nuclear power stations, Performance awards for distribution companies & rural distribution franchises, and environment management awards for coal based thermal power stations. The awards were given for the year 2011-12 and 2012-13.