PGCIL invites bids for Andaman & Nicobar Islands HVDC link project

Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) has issued a consultancy tender for the interconnection of Andaman & Nicobar Islands (ANI) with India’s mainland grid. The scope of work covers: Route Alignment, Detailed Survey and Soil Investigation works for the Interconnection of North, Middle & South Andaman Islands.

In May 2023, a clean energy approach via an HVDC link was proposed to the Ministry of Power (MoP), which could supply sustainable power to North, Middle, and South Andaman, for a reduction in fossil fuel reliance.

The planned HVDC link, rated at ±320kV with a 250MW capacity, will span from Paradeep in Odisha to Port Blair, utilizing undersea cable technology. This cable design was chosen over other voltage levels (±200kV and ±525kV) due to its economic viability and reduced land footprint. The link will be constructed in two phases, each with a 125MW capacity, with an initial phase completion target of 2029-30 and a total estimated cost of approximately Rs 151.20 billion.

Key infrastructure components include the establishment of HVDC stations in Paradeep and Port Blair, along with necessary GIS switchyards and 400kV GIS line bays to support the connection to the ISTS grid.