Author: PPD Team Date: 13/03/2025
With renewable energy zones (REZs) being identified across India, efforts to develop the necessary transmission infrastructure are gaining momentum. At the latest National Commission of Transmission (NCT) meeting, two major projects, Morena SEZ in Madhya Pradesh and Solapur SEZ in Maharashtra, were discussed. These projects are expected to inject thousands of megawatts of clean energy into the national grid.
Here’s a closer look at these projects.
Morena SEZ: A 3.9 GW Solar Power Hub in the Making
Tucked in Madhya Pradesh’s Morena district, a new renewable energy zone is set to emerge. With a massive 3.9 GW potential, the zone will be developed in two phases:
- Phase I (2.5 GW) by December 2027
- Phase II (1.4 GW) by December 2030
To ensure this power reaches consumers, a 2500 MW transmission scheme has been planned under Phase I. The key element of this plan is a high-voltage 765 kV double-circuit (D/c) transmission line connecting Karera and Morena Power Station (PS). However, this alignment may interfere with the Karera Wildlife Sanctuary or its buffer zone, raising environmental concerns.
The plan was approved in the 51st Western Region Power Committee (WRPC) meeting on January 11, 2025. The project would move forward under the Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) route, with PFC Consulting Limited (PFCCL) leading the bidding process.
The Morena transmission project includes the establishment of a new power station south of Sabalgarh, equipped with transformers, reactors, and provisions for future expansion. A 765 kV double-circuit transmission line will connect Morena to Karera (near Datia), ensuring efficient power evacuation. Additionally, substation upgrades at Karera will enhance its capacity to handle the increased power flow.
The project is estimated to cost Rs 16.92 billion and is expected to be completed within 27 months. With approvals in place, it is now set to enter execution mode, ensuring that the power generated in Morena reaches the grid without bottlenecks.
Solapur SEZ: A Powerhouse Waiting for the Green Light
Meanwhile, in Maharashtra’s Solapur district, another major renewable energy zone is in the works. Initially planned with a 3.5 GW REZ potential, Solapur’s significance has skyrocketed after developers submitted applications for over 6.35 GW of capacity as of December 2024, almost double the identified potential.
The zone is split into two parts:
- Solapur PG (2 GW capacity)
- Solapur PS (1.5 GW capacity)
Currently, the Solapur Power Station (PS) is under development by Solapur Transmission Limited (STL), a subsidiary of Torrent Power Limited. It is expected to be ready by March 2026 and capable of handling 1.5 GW of renewable energy.
What’s the holdup?
With transmission planning in progress for an additional 2 GW under Phase II, the project seemed on track until new numbers changed everything. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) flagged a crucial question: Should the transmission infrastructure be scaled up to accommodate the unexpected 6.35 GW applications?
The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), responsible for renewable energy auctions, admitted that the additional potential in Solapur is yet to be assessed. As a result, a decision was made to pause the Phase II transmission plan until MNRE/SECI confirms how much more capacity Solapur can support.
What’s Next?
While the Morena transmission project moves ahead, the fate of Solapur’s expansion remains uncertain. The government is now awaiting feedback from SECI and MNRE before giving the green light to new transmission infrastructure.
If Solapur’s potential is confirmed, it could become a major player in India’s journey toward 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy.
The coming months will determine whether these transmission corridors become the backbone of India’s clean energy future or face delays in the wake of shifting policy decisions.
Featured photograph is for representation only.
