The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs recently gave its approval for Phase-II of the Green Energy Corridor scheme for Intra-State Transmission System. This project is part of India’s broader initiatives for promoting renewable energy and working towards the country’s renewable energy targets. However, these objectives are accompanied by a series of challenges.
Green Energy Corridor Scheme: Features and Goals
Phase 1 of the Green Energy Corridor (GEC-1) is currently being implemented in Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan. The objective of this phase is to integrate renewable energy into the grid and facilitate power evacuation of around 24GW.
The next phase, GEC-2, has been designed to aid the grid integration and power evacuation of about 20 GW of Renewable Energy (RE) projects in seven states: Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. The transmission systems will be set up over five years, from the financial year 2021-22 to 2025-26. The total estimated cost of this phase is Rs. 12,031 crores, with the Central Finance Assistance covering 33% of this cost. This assistance will help in offsetting the Intra-State transmission charges and keep the power costs low.
Objectives of the Green Energy Corridor
The primary purpose of the Green Energy Corridor is to synchronise electricity produced from renewable sources like wind and solar with traditional power stations in the grid. The scheme strives to achieve the target of 450 GW installed Renewable Energy capacity by 2030. Additionally, it aims to evacuate approximately 20,000 MW of large-scale renewable power and improve the grid in implementing states.
Significance of Green Energy Corridor
The Green Energy Corridor will contribute significantly to India’s long-term energy security and promote ecologically sustainable growth by reducing the carbon footprint. Additionally, it is expected to generate numerous direct and indirect job opportunities for both skilled and unskilled personnel.
Initiatives related to Green Energy
India has initiated various schemes focusing on promoting green energy. These include:
– The International Solar Alliance
– One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG)
– National Solar Mission
– Pradham Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyaan (PM KUSUM)
– Atal Jyoti Yojana
– Suryamitra Skill Development Programme
– Solar Park Scheme and Grid Connected Solar Rooftop Scheme
– Rewa Solar Power Plant
– National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy 2018
– Hydrogen Based Fuel Cells Vehicles
Through these initiatives, the country is making steady progress towards its goal of a green economy.
