Transmission sector behemoth Power Grid Corporation of India is experimenting with what could be world’s most advanced power evacuation system — a 1,200 kV power transmission line — capable of evacuating about 6,000-7,000 mega watt of power as opposed to 2,500-3,000 mega watt that is being evacuated through 800 kV lines now.
The 1-km demonstration line would be commissioned in Bina in Madhya Pradesh and is expected to be ready next year. It would be commissioned with the technical assistance of as many as 13 nations from across the world.
“After the demonstration line and the test center in Bina are in place we will see if such a power line is feasible for India. This would help evacuate enormous quantities power through a single corridor with minimal transmission and distribution losses,” PGCIL chairman and managing director, RP Singh told the Hindustan Times.
Japan is the only country in the world where 1,100 kV power lines capable of evacuating 4,500-5,000 mega watt are being used to evacuate power from the power plants.
Singh said with India close to attaining super-critical technology in the power sector it would enable power plants to produce far higher quantities of power than what the existing plants are producing now it would be imperative to have transmission lines that are capable of carrying enhanced loads.
{{/usCountry}}Singh said with India close to attaining super-critical technology in the power sector it would enable power plants to produce far higher quantities of power than what the existing plants are producing now it would be imperative to have transmission lines that are capable of carrying enhanced loads.
{{/usCountry}}“The advantage of such lines is that power can be wheeled through such high capacity lines from smaller corridors making evacuation of power cheaper and cost effective,” Singh said.
India is coordinating with Canada, United States, France, Brazil, South Korea, South Africa to set up the demonstration line, which in turn will pave way for commissioning of such lines in other power rich countries if the experiment with the demonstration line is successful, he said. The erstwhile USSR (undivided Russia) had tried to establish a 1,200 kV power transmission line to evacuate power from Siberia, but the line never came into being following the disintegration of the country.
PGCIL has also sought World Bank assistance to part fund the programme to which it has agreed. Also participating in the programme would be 24 equipment manufacturers.
“This will be a learning experience for all the countries involved as it will allow them to emulate the model on its successful completion,” Singh said.