The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by PM Modi, has approved the Green Energy Corridor (GEC) Phase-II – Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) for a 13 GW Renewable Energy Project in Ladakh. This decision marks a significant step towards achieving India’s renewable energy targets.
This ambitious project is slated to be completed by the fiscal year 2029-30 and comes with an estimated cost of Rs. 20,773.70 crore. Central Financial Assistance (CFA) will cover 40 percent of the project cost, amounting to Rs. 8,309.48 crore.
The unique challenges of Ladakh’s complex terrain, harsh climatic conditions, and defense sensitivities make this project one of national importance. Therefore, the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) will be the Implementing Agency for this endeavor. To ensure efficient energy transmission, state-of-the-art Voltage Source Converter (VSC) based High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems and Extra High Voltage Alternating Current (EHVAC) systems will be deployed.
The transmission line for evacuating this vast amount of renewable power will stretch through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, culminating at Kaithal in Haryana, where it will integrate with the National Grid. Additionally, an interconnection is planned from the project in Leh to the existing Ladakh grid, guaranteeing a reliable power supply to the region. Furthermore, it will be linked to the Leh-Alusteng-Srinagar line to provide power to Jammu & Kashmir. The project involves setting up a 713 km transmission network, which includes a 480 km HVDC line, and two 5 GW capacity HVDC terminals at Pang in Ladakh and Kaithal in Haryana.
This monumental project is not only a step towards achieving the target of 500 GW of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2030 but also a major stride in ensuring India’s long-term energy security and promoting ecologically sustainable growth by reducing carbon emissions. Beyond this, the project will create substantial employment opportunities, benefiting both skilled and unskilled workers in the power and related sectors, particularly in the Ladakh region.
It is important to note that this project complements the Intra-State Transmission System Green Energy Corridor Phase-II (InSTS GEC-II), already under implementation in the states of Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. This initiative focuses on grid integration and power evacuation of approximately 20 GW of renewable energy and is expected to be completed by 2026. The InSTS GEC-II scheme encompasses the addition of 10,753 circuit kilometers of transmission lines and 27,546 MVA capacity of substations, with an estimated project cost of Rs. 12,031.33 crore and CFA of Rs. 3,970.34 crore.
The groundwork for this monumental endeavor was laid when PM Modi announced the establishment of a 7.5 GW Solar Park in Ladakh during his Independence Day speech on August 15, 2020. Following extensive field surveys, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) developed a plan for creating a colossal 13 GW Renewable Energy generation capacity, alongside a 12 GWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Pang, Ladakh. To make this vision a reality, an inter-state transmission infrastructure is an imperative component.
This visionary project in Ladakh is not just about harnessing renewable energy but is a testament to India’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible growth, securing energy independence, and creating economic opportunities in challenging terrains. As it unfolds in the coming years, it will undoubtedly be a beacon of India’s commitment to a green and sustainable future.