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NSW approves A$4.8bn Humelink transmission project

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The Minns Labor Government in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, has approved the A$4.8 billion ($3.12 billion) Humelink transmission project, a 365 km infrastructure line designed to deliver renewable energy across southern NSW.  Pending final approval from the Commonwealth Government, construction is set to commence this year, with completion targeted by 2027. The Humelink project is expected to create 1,600 construction jobs and contribute A$6.3 billion in direct and indirect investment to the regional economy. …

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UK and Scottish governments plan clean energy consent reforms

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The UK and Scottish governments have announced a collaborative proposal to reform the consent process for clean energy projects in Scotland. The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero has outlined plans to modernize outdated legislation, aiming to reduce the approval time for large electricity infrastructure projects, which currently can extend up to four years. This initiative seeks to bring Scotland’s approval timeline in line with recent legislative changes in England and Wales, which have…

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Adani Group signs pact for key electricity transmission lines in Kenya

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Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL) has signed an agreement with the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Ltd (Ketraco) to build, finance, and operate key transmission lines in Kenya for 30 years. This initiative aims to upgrade Kenya’s transmission infrastructure to ensure a more reliable power supply amid persistent blackouts. The project, estimated at KSh 95.68 billion (USD 736 million), will be funded through a combination of debt and equity raised by AESL. The Kenyan government will…

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Fortum reports daily cyberattack attempts on its power assets

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Finnish utility Fortum has revealed that its power assets face daily cyberattack attempts and less frequent surveillance activities, such as drone flyovers. According to CEO Markus Rauramo, disturbances in satellite connections were also noted earlier this year. Fortum, whose assets include hydropower, wind, solar, nuclear, and heat plants, has engaged Finnish authorities to investigate these incidents. The company has implemented precautionary measures, including strict access controls, security services, and emergency drills with local authorities. Fortum’s…

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Dominion Energy, AEP, FirstEnergy propose new transmission lines in PJM region

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Dominion Energy Virginia, American Electric Power (AEP), and FirstEnergy have announced a joint agreement to develop new regional transmission projects within the PJM footprint, which covers 13 states in the US. The initiative responds to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) call for cost-effective regional transmission development. The proposed projects, submitted through PJM’s Regional Transmission Expansion Plan (RTEP), include 765kV, 500kV, and 345kV transmission lines in Virginia, Ohio, and West Virginia. These are in the…

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MoP modifies budgetary support for hydropower

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The Ministry of Power (MoP) has revised the provision of budgetary support for hydroelectric and Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs), allocating Rs 124.6 billion from FY 2024–25 to 2031–32 to support 31 GW of hydroelectric capacity, including 15 GW from PSPs. The support is capped at Rs 10 million/MW for projects up to 200 MW, and Rs 2 billion plus Rs 7.5 million/MW for projects exceeding 200 MW, with an increase to Rs 15 million/MW for…

Key Power Sector News Roundup for September 26, 2024

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MERC approves MSEDCL’s procurement of 5,991 MW solar power The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) approved MSEDCL’s procurement of 5,991 MW solar power under Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana 2.0. The Rs 3.10 per kWh ceiling tariff ensures competitive pricing. This initiative aims to solarize 30% of agricultural feeders by 2025, helping meet rising renewable purchase obligation (RPO) targets and easing Koyna hydroelectric plant’s peak demand. Zelestra signs 450 MW solar power supply agreement with…

Key Power Sector News Roundup for September 25, 2024

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CEA releases report on Right-of-Way width for transmission lines The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has released a report on Right-of-Way (RoW) width calculations for transmission lines using monopole towers and HTLS conductors. The report compares configurations and highlights challenges like higher costs and limited manufacturing for monopole structures. It supplements the July 2020 guidelines and was compiled by a 13-member committee. CTUIL approves Rs 4 billion transmission projects to boost infrastructure CTUIL has approved seven…