The Indian government approved phase two of the Green Energy Corridor. This move is key to growing the country’s renewable energy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi supports this important project. It works to build and improve the Inter-State Transmission System (InSTS ).

The Inter-State Transmission System is like a big highway for electricity. It helps move power from one state to another. So, if one state makes extra electricity, they can send it to a state that needs it.

The project helps the 13 GW Renewable Energy Project in Ladakh’s tough terrains. It uses advanced technology, transmission lines, and grid connections. It doesn’t just boost clean energy but also creates many jobs and helps local areas develop.

Green Energy Corridor Approval

• On October 18, 2023, the Cabinet approved the Phase-II of the Green Energy Corridor. It’s an Inter-State Transmission System aimed at supporting a 13 GW Renewable Energy Project in Ladakh. The approval came under the watchful eyes of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• The Green Energy Corridor, with an estimated cost of over Rs.20,000 crore, is slated for completion by FY 2029-30. The central government will offer financial assistance, covering 40 percent of the project cost. Power Grid Corporation of India Limited is tasked with implementing this significant initiative, ensuring its completion amidst Ladakh’s challenging terrain and climate.
• Incorporating state-of-the-art technology, the project employs a Voltage Source Converter based High Voltage Direct Current system and Extra High Voltage Alternating Current systems. These technologies ensure efficient and reliable energy transmission, marking a significant advancement in the green energy sector.
• A Voltage Source Converter based High Voltage Direct Current system and Extra High Voltage Alternating Current systems are special tools that help move electricity long distances. They’re like super highways for electricity to travel fast and safe. We need them to make sure our lights, computers, and TVs work well!

Transmission and Integration

• The power transmission line from the Green Energy project will extend through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, reaching Kaithal in Haryana. Here, it will merge with the National Grid. Additionally, an interconnection from Leh to the existing Ladakh grid will bolster the region’s power supply reliability.
• This Green Energy Corridor will also link to the Leh-Alusteng-Srinagar line, boosting power accessibility in Jammu & Kashmir. With 713 km of transmission lines and 5 GW capacity terminals at Pang and Kaithal, energy transmission will be efficient and far-reaching.
• Contributing to the 500 GW non-fossil fuel energy target by 2030, this project underscores India’s commitment to ecological sustainability. By reducing the carbon footprint, it aids in long-term energy security while promoting environmentally conscious growth.

Employment and Additional Projects

• The Green Energy Corridor promises a surge in direct and indirect employment. Skilled and unskilled personnel alike will find opportunities in power and related sectors, particularly in the Ladakh region, driving economic growth.
• Beyond this, the InSTS Green Energy Corridor Phase-II is already underway in several states. This additional project aims to integrate and evacuate approximately 20 GW of renewable power, with an expected completion by 2026.
• With the integration of these massive projects, India stands on the brink of a Green Energy revolution. The 7.5 GW Solar Park in Ladakh, announced by the Prime Minister, amplifies this transformation. The combination of renewable energy generation and efficient transmission infrastructure heralds a future of sustainable and secure energy.

Green Energy Corridor: Powering India’s Future