PFC Consulting Ltd (PFCCL) has formed a wholly-owned subsidiary named “Gadag II and Koppal II Transmission Ltd” on October 21, 2024, as a special purpose vehicle (SPV) for an interstate transmission system (ISTS) scheme in Karnataka.
The project, titled “System strengthening at Koppal-II and Gadag-II for integration of RE generation projects,” is aimed at enhancing capacity at the Koppal-II and Gadag-II pooling stations to support growing renewable energy (RE) connections.
PFCCL has commenced the bidding process under the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) mechanism, with technical bids scheduled for opening on October 28, 2024. The SPV will handle preliminary activities such as project reporting, land acquisition, and forest clearance initiation before the selected bidder takes over.
Project Details
The Gadag-II and Koppal-II project is estimated to cost INR 13.54 billion, according to the National Committee on Transmission, and is slated for full commissioning by June 2027. The scheme will expand the Koppal-II pooling station with 3×1500 MVA, 765/400kV ICTs and 5×500 MVA, 400/220kV ICTs. Similarly, the Gadag-II station will be upgraded with 7×500 MVA, 400/220kV ICTs. Additionally, a 400kV double-circuit (quad) line will connect Koppal-II and Gadag-II, marking the second such connection between these stations.
Currently, the Koppal-II and Gadag-II pooling stations are being developed through another ISTS-TBCB scheme by “Powergrid Koppal Gadag Transmission Ltd,” a PGCIL subsidiary. This project, with an outlay of INR 25.64 billion, is expected to be completed by December 2025.
More SPVs Expected
PFCCL is anticipated to incorporate more SPVs soon, as nine ISTS-TBCB schemes under PFCCL’s coordination are pending SPV incorporation. Similarly, REC Power Development & Consultancy Ltd (RECPDCL), another bid process coordinator, has seven schemes pending. REC Ltd’s board recently approved the formation of eight wholly-owned subsidiaries to manage these schemes.