The National Committee on Transmission (NCT) is considering a subsea High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) line to meet the rising power demand in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (ANI). This project aims to address ANI’s projected peak demand of 79 MW by FY30 and reduce reliance on diesel generators, which currently supply a significant portion of the Union territory’s power.
The proposed HVDC link will deliver electricity from Paradeep, Odisha, through a ±320kV, 500-MW HVDC bipole link running approximately 1,150 km. In the first phase, a 250-MW terminal will be installed in the Andaman Islands, with another 250 MW planned for the Nicobar Islands in the future.
Central Transmission Utility of India Ltd (CTUIL) will conduct a detailed study on the proposed link, focusing on technology choice, tariff comparison, and financial support options. The study will also examine the frequency and repair time of existing subsea HVDC links globally.
Currently, ANI relies heavily on diesel generation, with an installed capacity of 92.71 MW and an additional 35.16 MW from solar power. The HVDC link aims to enhance energy security and sustainability for the islands, reducing dependence on diesel generators.