NCT defers decision on HVDC link for green hydrogen projects in Andhra Pradesh

The National Committee on Transmission (NCT) has postponed the approval of a proposed ±800kV, 6000MW HVDC link between Kurnool and Visakhapatnam, which APTRANSCO requested to support upcoming green hydrogen and green ammonia units in Andhra Pradesh. While the state utility estimates a need for over 10 GW of renewable energy by 2030 for these projects, NCT concluded that the demand can be met using planned AC transmission systems.

APTRANSCO’s proposal aimed to facilitate the delivery of renewable energy to large green hydrogen units being developed by companies such as Greenko, ReNew Power, and NTPC. However, NCT noted that current AC-based systems, including a 3 GW scheme involving the Kakinada Green Hydrogen Pooling Station, would be sufficient to meet the region’s energy needs up to 2030. Plans are also underway to expand the Kakinada GH PS’s capacity to 7.5 GW.

The committee pointed out that while HVDC systems could take up to five years to commission due to supply chain challenges, AC systems are expected to be operational by 2028-29. NCT recommended further system studies by APTRANSCO and other regional bodies to assess future transmission needs, especially for post-2030 energy demands.