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SRPC proposes 6,000 MW reverse capacity upgrade for Raigarh-Pugalur HVDC system

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The Southern Regional Power Committee (SRPC) has proposed enhancing the reverse transfer capacity of the ±800kV, 6000 MW Raigarh-Pugalur HVDC system from 3,000 MW to 6,000 MW. The National Committee on Transmission (NCT) is expected to discuss this proposal in its upcoming meeting later this month. Currently, the Raigarh-Pugalur HVDC link can transfer 6,000 MW in the forward direction from Raigarh (Chhattisgarh) to Pugalur (Tamil Nadu). The estimated cost for the reverse capacity project is…

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ADB approves USD 241.3 million for electricity distribution in West Bengal

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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 241.3 million financing package to enhance electricity distribution in West Bengal, ensuring a reliable and sustainable power supply.  This program aligns with the revamped distribution sector scheme (RDSS) to strengthen operational efficiency in power distribution companies. The West Bengal Distribution System Strengthening Program will cover seven districts, benefiting 8.96 million consumers. Key components of the program include replacing low-tension overhead lines with aerial bundled cables, establishing…

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PGCIL secures LoIs for two ISTS schemes in Rajasthan

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Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) has received letters of intent (LoIs) for two interstate transmission system (ISTS) schemes for evacuating renewable energy from Rajasthan’s Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Phase IV (6 GW) [Bikaner complex]. The LoIs were issued on October 21, 2024, with PGCIL confirming the notifications on October 22, 2024. The two schemes are: Transmission system for evacuation of power from Rajasthan REZ Phase IV (Part-3: 6 GW) [Bikaner complex]: Part A-…

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PFCCL establishes SPV for ISTS scheme development in Karnataka

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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…

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Evergy plans natural gas plant investment in Kansas

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Evergy, a US-based utility company, plans to build two 705 MW combined-cycle natural gas plants in Kansas to meet rising energy demands and enhance reliability.  The first plant in Sumner County is expected to commence operations in 2029, while the second in Reno County is set for 2030. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly highlighted the state’s economic growth, noting that Evergy’s investment would bring substantial benefits, including jobs and tax revenue, to Hutchinson and Sumner County….

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Statkraft submits planning application for 2.1 GW wind farm in Baltic Sea

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Statkraft has filed a planning application for the 2.1 GW Baltic Offshore Delta North wind farm, located approximately 100 kilometres east of Stockholm, within Sweden’s economic zone in the Baltic Sea.  The bottom-fixed wind farm is designed to produce around 8 TWh of electricity annually, which could supply 40% of Stockholm County’s electricity consumption. The project site, identified as suitable for offshore wind by Swedish authorities, aligns with the revised Marine Spatial Plans that promote…

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France to launch 9.2 GW offshore wind tenders

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France is preparing to launch tenders for two fixed and three floating offshore wind farms, totalling 9.2GW, in the autumn and winter of 2024/25.  The French Energy Ministry has identified key locations for these projects, including offshore areas near Fecamp in northwest France, Brittany, the western Gascogne Gulf, and the southern Mediterranean coast. French Energy Minister Olga Givernet, during a visit to Fecamp, emphasized that the installations align with France’s strategy to reach 45 GW…

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SB Energy’s Orion Solar Belt projects begin commercial operations

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SB Energy Global, backed by SoftBank Group, has commenced commercial operations for the Orion Solar Belt projects—Orion I, Orion II, and Orion III—in Milam County, Texas. The combined capacity of these utility-scale solar projects is 875 MWdc, contributing to the Texas power grid. The project utilizes over 1.3 million American-made solar modules, featuring domestic steel and components, emphasizing SB Energy’s commitment to supporting local industries and sustainable energy practices. The solar projects are key in…

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BOEM finalises environmental review for wind leases in New York Bight

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The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has completed an environmental review for six wind lease areas in the New York Bight, potentially generating up to 7GW of offshore wind energy.  This development supports the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of deploying 30GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030. The lease areas span 488,000 acres off the coasts of New York and New Jersey, with the potential to supply power to two million homes. BOEM’s review,…

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Scatec achieves financial close for South Africa’s 103 MW Mogobe BESS

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Scatec has reached financial close for its 103 MW/412 MWh Mogobe battery energy storage system (BESS) in South Africa. The project, Africa’s first and largest standalone dispatchable BESS, is set to begin construction near Kathu in the Northern Cape. Scatec holds a 51% equity share, with Perpetua Mogobe (RF) owning 46.5%, and the Mogobe Local Community Trust holding 2.5%. The Mogobe BESS was awarded a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) under South Africa’s battery energy…