Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 19, 2021, inaugurated POWERGRID’s 320 kV 2000 MW Pugalur (Tamil Nadu) – Thrissur (Kerala) HVDC project in the presence of Governor of Kerala Arif Mohammad Khan and Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan..The event was held over video conference. The Prime Minister also dedicated a 50 MW Kasaragod Solar Power Project to the nation.
Speaking on the inauguration of POWERGRID’s 320 kV 2000 MW Pugalur (Tamil Nadu) – Thrissur (Kerala) HVDC project, Union Power Minister RK Singh, said that this transmission line is a timely gift to Kerala. He said, “We have also expanded the inter-regional transmission capacity from 35,950 MW – in 2014 to 1,03,550 MW today. We increased the inter-regional transmission capacity to South India from 7,250 MW in 2014 to 21,450 MW; out of which the inter-state transfer capacity to Kerala is 3,300 MW. The allocation for Kerala from the Central Sector is 2,266 MW but its peak drawl from the National Grid has already touched 3,100 MW – touching the maximum transfer capacity to Kerala. As the demand increases – and it is expected to touch 5,000 MW by 2022, the capacity to transfer more power to Kerala needs to increase.”
Singh further added that the project will enable transfer of 2,000 MW of additional power to Kerala. Out of this, Kerala will be able to utilise 1,000 MW right now and draw remaining 1,000 MW after strengthening their system for which the work is going on, according to a PIB release.
The transmission line dedicated today is Voltage Source Converter based High Voltage Direct Current System, the most modern in the world and the first of its kind in India. It enables safe and faster transmission with reduced losses and this also enables transmission through cables. Out of 165 Km of transmission lines, about 27 km is underground cable. This technology facilitates smart grid; provides greater flexibility in reactive power management and also enables integration of Renewable Energy resources. The project cost is Rs.5,070 crore.
While talking about 50 MW Kasaragod Solar Power Project Singh said that the entire power generated from this project will be consumed by Kerala. “Our rate of growth of Renewable Energy capacity is the highest in the world. We have installed 92,500 MW of Renewable Energy capacity, 49,500 MW is under installation, and 27,000 MW is under bid. We have emerged as the most favored destination in the world for investments in Renewable Energy. We have come out with many innovative projects – such as Solar Wind Hybrid, Floating Solar and Round the Clock Renewable Energy. We have a Solar Cities Programme in which 17 States have identified one city each to be converted to a Solar City. We propose to come out with a bid for green hydrogen and we are also carrying out survey for installation of off shore wind. Our survey and preparatory work for installation of 10,000 MWs of Renewable Energy in Ladakh and its evacuation is in an advanced stage. We have projects for carbon neutral Andaman and Lakshadweep,” Singh added.