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CEA proposes new guidelines for type-testing periodicity of power equipment

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The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has released new draft guidelines on the periodicity of type tests for major equipment across the power value chain.  A key proposal is to exempt transformers from repeating short-circuit tests solely due to changes in bushing or on-load tap changers (OLTC), provided these components have equal or superior ratings and have successfully passed type tests per IS/IEC standards. The guidelines, titled “Guidelines for the Periodicity of Type Tests for Major…

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CEA plans RE-based transmission of 613 GW by 2032

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The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has outlined a comprehensive plan to build transmission capacity for 613 GW of renewable energy by 2032. In its latest ‘National Electricity Plan,’ the CEA projects that India’s non-fossil fuel capacity will reach 653 GW by 2031-32. This includes 385 GW from solar (with 60 GW from rooftop solar), 165 GW from wind, 62.8 GW from hydro, 19.6 GW from nuclear, 15.5 GW from biomass, and 5.4 GW from small…

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CEA concludes Brainstorming Conclave on Indian Power Sector Scenario 2047

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The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) concluded its two-day Brainstorming Conclave on the ‘Indian Power Sector Scenario 2047’ in New Delhi on October 14-15, 2024. The event, attended by over 1,500 delegates, featured discussions on expanding hydropower, integrating energy storage systems, modernizing distribution networks, and fostering cross-border energy cooperation. Key dignitaries, including Union Power Minister Manohar Lal, emphasized India’s strategy to meet growing energy needs while transitioning to cleaner sources. The conclave also focused on capacity…

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Private sector boosts ISTS transmission line additions in September 2024

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In September 2024, private sector developers Sterlite Power and Renew Transmission Ventures contributed 410 ckm of transmission lines to India’s Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS), marking their first addition to the ISTS network in FY25, according to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). Sterlite Power commissioned 223 ckm of lines, including the 400kV double-circuit Padghe-Kharghar line (140 ckm) in Maharashtra, as part of its ISTS-TBCB project under “Mumbai Urja Marg Ltd.” Similarly, Renew Transmission Ventures added a…

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CEA releases draft amendment to update business procedures

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The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has issued the draft CEA (Procedure for Transaction of Business) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2024, aiming to revise the 2006 regulations on conducting business.  A key update to Regulation 12(1) sets the quorum for meetings as half of the appointed members, including the chairperson, with a minimum of three members. If there is a fractional number, it will be rounded up. In the chairperson’s absence, members will select a full-time member…

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Arunachal & Sikkim grid upgrade completion expected by March 2025

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The Centrally-funded “Comprehensive Scheme for Transmission and Distribution (T&D) System in Arunachal Pradesh & Sikkim” is set to be fully commissioned by March 2025, with 62% of the project completed as of August 31, 2024. The project involves 294 elements, including transmission lines and substations. While Sikkim has completed 41 of 55 elements, Arunachal Pradesh has commissioned 141 of 239 elements. Challenges remain in transmission line construction, with only 1,029 ckm of the planned 4,241…

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CEA releases report on right-of-way width calculation

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The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has released a committee report on the calculation of Right-of-Way (RoW) width for transmission lines built with contemporary technological options. The report focuses on RoW calculations for transmission lines utilizing monopole towers and HTLS (high temperature low sag) conductors. The report offers comparisons between RoW widths for different configurations, including ACSR conductors with monopole structures, HTLS conductors with monopole structures, and HTLS conductors with conventional lattice towers. This new report…

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CEA clears two hydro pumped storage projects in Maharashtra

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The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has cleared the 1,500 MW Bhavali PSP by JSW Energy and the 1,000 MW Bhivpuri PSP by Tata Power, adding over 15 GWh of energy storage capacity.   For FY25, CEA aims to approve 15 hydro PSPs totalling 25,500 MW, with four projects already cleared. The renewable energy share in India’s power generation is expected to rise to 35 percent by FY30. Additionally, the Union Cabinet has approved a revised scheme…