The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has granted its crucial approval for the Green Energy Corridor (GEC) Phase-II – Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) that paves the way for an immense 13-gigawatt (GW) Renewable Energy (RE) endeavor in Ladakh. This ambitious undertaking stands to revolutionize India’s renewable energy sector.
Facing the unique challenges of Ladakh’s landscape and climate, the implementation of this monumental project has been entrusted to the Power Grid Corporation of India (Power Grid). Cutting-edge technology, including Voltage Source Converter (VSC) based High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) and Extra High Voltage Alternating Current (EHVAC) systems, will ensure the reliable and efficient transmission of power.
The transmission line, designed to carry the generated power, will traverse Himachal Pradesh and Punjab before reaching Kaithal in Haryana, where it will seamlessly integrate with the National Grid. Moreover, plans for an interconnection are underway to link this Ladakh project with the existing Ladakh grid, assuring a stable power supply to the region.
Furthermore, the project will be connected to the Leh-Alusteng-Srinagar line to provide power to Jammu & Kashmir. This comprehensive approach encompasses 713 km of transmission lines, including a substantial 480 km of HVDC line, along with the installation of 5 GW capacity HVDC terminals at both Pang (Ladakh) and Kaithal (Haryana).
The significance of this project extends far beyond its impressive technical specifications. It plays a pivotal role in enhancing the nation’s long-term energy security and contributes to ecologically sustainable growth by significantly reducing the carbon footprint. In addition to its environmental benefits, the project creates substantial employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers, particularly in the Ladakh region, aligning with the broader vision of socioeconomic development.
This project complements the ongoing Intra-State Transmission System Green Energy Corridor Phase-II (InSTS GEC-II), which is already in progress in states like Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. The InSTS GEC-II scheme is dedicated to integrating the grid and evacuating approximately 20 GW of renewable energy power and is on track for completion by 2026.
This ambitious endeavor aims to add 10,753 circuit km (ckm) of transmission lines and 27,546 MVA capacity of substations, with an estimated project cost of ₹12,031.33 crore, supported by a CFA at 33 percent, amounting to ₹3,970.34 crore.