CEA outlines transmission roadmap for 900 GW non-fossil capacity by 2035-36

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has released its transmission plan to support the integration of over 900 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2035-36. The plan defines the network buildout required as renewable energy (RE) capacity accelerates, and sets a reference framework for regulators and state utilities.

The plan estimates an investment of Rs. 7,93,300 crores to develop 1,37,500 circuit-kilometres of transmission lines and 8,27,600 MVA of substation capacity between 2026-27 and 2035-36. This includes both the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) and intra-state networks.

Generation studies indicate non-fossil installed capacity of around 786 GW by 2035-36, including 664 GW from solar and wind. The CEA has planned transmission for over 900 GW, about 115 GW higher than projected needs, to account for delays in transmission execution. The plan notes that implementation decisions will depend on actual RE integration progress, and the full capacity may not be built.

Of the total 913.7 GW, 275.5 GW is already commissioned, 506.2 GW is under implementation or planning, and 73 GW remains at an early planning stage.

Schemes on hold

The plan identifies 19 GW of capacity currently on hold due to high RE costs. This includes the 9 GW Ladakh solar corridor and 5 GW each of offshore wind in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. These projects are included in aggregate capacity figures but do not have active timelines.

Intra-state expansion under GEC-III

The proposed Green Energy Corridor-III (GEC-III) scheme targets 1,34,726 MW of intra-state RE integration across 13 states. It involves 51,126 circuit-kilometres of lines and 2,28,903 MVA of substation capacity. Maharashtra (35 GW), Karnataka (19 GW), and Telangana (19 GW) account for the largest shares.

The earlier Green Energy Corridor-II (GEC-II) scheme, covering about 19.4 GW, is under implementation. GEC-III is substantially larger, and its financing structure is yet to be finalised. State electricity regulatory commissions will need to align transmission planning and tariffs with this scale of expansion.

Access framework and utilisation trends

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) (Central Electricity Regulatory Commission) Third Amendment Regulations, 2025 introduce Solar Hour and Non-Solar Hour access. Wind and battery energy storage systems receive round-the-clock access, while solar projects are linked to solar hours.

The plan highlights about 176 GW of available margin at existing and under-implementation RE pooling stations during non-solar hours. Of this, 105 GW has already received connectivity applications, indicating emerging congestion risks.

Rajasthan HVDC expansion

In Rajasthan, the plan proposes 60 GW of additional capacity beyond the existing 58.7 GW pipeline through ten high voltage direct current (HVDC) corridors, each rated at 6 GW. These projects are classified as under planning, with phased completion targeted by 2035-36. Execution will require large-scale land acquisition, right-of-way approvals, and HVDC terminal deployment.

Curtailment risk flagged

The plan warns that if RE capacity addition exceeds transmission readiness or is geographically concentrated, it could lead to congestion and curtailment. This highlights the need for closer alignment between generation approvals and transmission commissioning, an issue also seen under the 500 GW plan released in December 2022.

Approval and financing of GEC-III will indicate the viability of intra-state expansion. The uptake of non-solar hour access under the CERC framework will shape utilisation of existing margins. Progress on the Ladakh, Gujarat offshore, and Tamil Nadu offshore projects will reflect how cost constraints evolve.

The featured photograph is for representation only.