The Indian cabinet has given its approval to the Green Energy Corridor Phase-III (GEC-III) scheme, a monumental ₹1.86 lakh crore initiative designed to bolster the nation's Intra-State Transmission System (InSTS). This strategic investment seeks to overcome significant hurdles in India's clean energy transition, particularly the curtailment of renewable power due to inadequate transmission infrastructure and grid constraints.
With a target to facilitate the evacuation of up to 135 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy across various states, the GEC-III scheme is a crucial step towards integrating India's rapidly expanding green energy capacity into the national grid. Experts highlight that nearly one-third of new renewable capacity currently faces curtailment, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced transmission capabilities.
Addressing Grid Flexibility and Storage Needs
A key component of the GEC-III scheme is the planned deployment of 50 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). These systems will be strategically located at renewable energy developer/generator sites or other critical points to enhance grid flexibility. The BESS deployment is intended to address several challenges, including intermittency of renewable sources, grid congestion, peak-hour curtailment, and meeting electricity demand during non-solar hours.
“Green Energy Corridor Phase-III addresses a critical need. As renewable capacity scales up, evacuation infrastructure has to keep pace, and much of that constraint sits at the state level. Strengthening intra-state transmission and building it ahead of generation is essential to avoid stranded capacity and curtailment,” stated Srivatsan Iyer, Global CEO, Hero Future Energies.
The 50 GWh storage capacity is seen as a vital first step towards making renewable energy firm and dispatchable, a quality increasingly valued by grid operators. This move also aligns with the Central Electricity Authority's projected requirement of over 236 GWh by 2031-32, positioning the scheme as a foundational element for future energy security.
Integrated Planning for a Sustainable Future
The GEC-III scheme adopts an integrated planning approach, combining transmission infrastructure development with battery storage solutions. This holistic strategy acknowledges that generation, delivery, and availability of power must advance in tandem to ensure a stable and efficient energy ecosystem.
Vineet Mittal, Chairman of Avaada Group, emphasized the broader economic opportunities presented by increased storage deployment. He noted that it could stimulate a larger market for daytime generation and foster manufacturing within the renewable energy sector, encompassing components like solar modules, batteries, transformers, and inverters.
Strengthening State-Level Networks
The scheme's specific focus on intra-state transmission is particularly noteworthy. As Mittal explained, electricity must traverse state networks to reach diverse consumers, including industrial clusters, agricultural communities, and growing towns. Strengthening these local networks empowers states to better utilize their renewable resources and improve power delivery within their boundaries, ensuring that the benefits of green energy reach all sectors of the economy.