Empowering Sustainability: Green Energy Corridor Expands to Ladakh

Context:

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved Green Energy Corridor Phase-II, an inter-state transmission system for a 13-gigawatt renewable energy project in Ladakh.

Completion Target: 2029-30.
Project Cost: It is estimated to cost ₹20,773.70 crore, with central financial assistance at 40%.
Implementing Agency: Power Grid Corporation of India Limited(POWERGRID)
Transmission Line: The transmission line will run through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, integrating with the National Grid in Haryana.
Significance:
- Clean Energy Target: The project contributes to achieving the target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel electricity capacity by 2030
- Employment Opportunities: It is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment in the power and related sectors, particularly in the Ladakh region.
- Expansion of Green Energy Corridor: This project complements the ongoing Intra-State Transmission System Green Energy Corridor Phase-II in several states for grid integration and power evacuation.

Green Energy Corridor(GEC) Project:

This aims to integrate electricity generated from renewable sources like solar and wind into the grid. It has two phases:

Phase I:

Implemented in eight states: Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
Objective: To install 9700 circuit km of transmission lines and 22,600 MegaVolt-Amperes (MVA) transformation capacity of substations by 2022.
Funding: 40% Government of India Grant, 20% state equity, and 40% loan from KfW Bank, Germany.

Phase II:

Implemented in seven states: Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.
Objective: To install 10,750 circuit km of transmission lines and 27,500 MegaVolt-Amperes (MVA) transformation capacity of substations by 2025-26.
Funding: The Centre will provide assistance covering 33% of the project cost.

News Source: Livemint