The scheme is expected to support the integration of increasing renewable generation into the national power system
The Union Cabinet has recently approved the Green Energy Corridor Phase-III (GEC-III) scheme with a total outlay of ₹1,86,405 crore to strengthen intra-state transmission infrastructure and battery energy storage capacity for renewable energy integration.
The programme aims to facilitate the evacuation of up to 135 GW of renewable energy across the country by developing 51,126 circuit km of transmission lines, 2,28,903 MVA of transformation capacity, and 50 GWh of battery energy storage capacity.
The investment comes as renewable-rich states, including Rajasthan and Gujarat, face increasing transmission requirements amid the rapid addition of solar and wind generation. The expansion is expected to strengthen power evacuation infrastructure while providing greater flexibility to manage fluctuations in renewable generation.
Announcing the Cabinet decision, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the power grid needs to be designed differently as the share of renewable energy increases. Solar generation is available during the day but not at night, while wind generation varies across the day and seasons, he said, highlighting the need for grid infrastructure capable of handling these variations.
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi said GEC-III will add 51,126 circuit km of transmission lines, 2,28,903 MVA of substation capacity and 50 GWh of battery storage.
The scheme is expected to support the integration of increasing renewable generation into the national power system while strengthening transmission capacity and grid flexibility.
