Green Energy Corridor (GEC) – INSIGHTSIAS

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GS Paper 3:

Topics Covered: Conservation related issues.

 

Context:

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the scheme on Green Energy Corridor (GEC) Phase-II for Intra-State Transmission System (InSTS).

 

What is the Green Energy Corridor Project for Intra-State Transmission System (InSTS)?

The Green Energy Corridor(GEC) Project aims at synchronizing electricity produced from renewable sources such as solar and wind with conventional power stations in the grid.

 

Phase I of the Project:

  • It is being implemented by eight renewable-rich states of Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
  • Under this phase, the target is to install 9700 circuit km of transmission lines and 22,600 MegaVolt-Amperes(MVA) transformation capacity of substations by 2022.
  • The funding mechanism consists of a 40% Government of India Grant, 20% state equity and a 40% loan from KfW Bank, Germany.

 

Phase II of the Project:

  • It is being implemented in seven States namely, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Under this phase, the target is to install 10,750 circuit km of transmission lines and 27,500 MegaVolt-Amperes(MVA) transformation capacity of substations by 2025-26.
  • The Centre will provide assistance at 33% of the cost of the project.

 

Need for a Green Energy Corridor in India:

  • Prime Minister has pledged to increase the country’s non-fossil fuel power generation capacity to 500GW and meet 50% of its energy requirements from renewable sources by the end of this decade. So there is a need for integration.
  • The scheme will help in achieving the target of 450 GW installed RE capacity by 2030.
  • It will also contribute to long-term energy security of the country and promote ecologically sustainable growth by reducing the carbon footprint.
  • It will generate large direct and indirect employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled personnel in power and other related sectors.
  • The GEC will help in offsetting the intra-state transmission charges and keep the power costs down. Thus, the government support will ultimately benefit the end users.
  • It helps India to increase the share of non-fossil fuels-based electricity to 40% by 2030.
  • The project is expected to help India meet the climate commitments it made at the COP-26 summit in Glasgow.

Sources: Indian Express.

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