NTPC Green Energy Ltd is gearing up to create India’s first dedicated transmission network for a project, with a proposed investment of ₹30,000 crore.
The 20 GW capacity network will support the company’s upcoming green hydrogen hub in Andhra Pradesh and will operate independently of the national power grid.
The network will initially link NTPC’s planned solar power facility in Anantapur with the hydrogen hub in Pudimadaka. Spread across 1,600 acres, the hub is expected to produce 1,500 tons of green hydrogen daily.
Green Hydrogen: A Clean Fuel for the Future
Green hydrogen, produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electrolyzers powered by renewable energy, has significant industrial applications. It is increasingly used in refineries and for manufacturing steel and aluminum.
Key Steps in Project Development
NTPC Green Energy has sought land allotment from the Andhra Pradesh government to expedite the project. Once the land is allocated, the company plans to move swiftly on constructing the network, which it aims to complete by 2032.
“Although the project is in the conceptual stage, NTPC plans to set up a 20 GW transmission system. At any given time, the network will handle 7-8 GW of round-the-clock renewable energy,” revealed a company source.
Collaborations and Strategic Partnerships
NTPC Green Energy is exploring partnerships to market its green hydrogen. It is in talks with Japan’s Toyo Engineering Corp., Norway’s Getek AS, and Australia’s Fortescue for collaboration at Pudimadaka.
Boost to India’s Green Energy Targets
The project aligns with India’s ambitious goal of achieving 500 GW of green energy capacity by 2030.
According to the National Electricity Plan, over ₹9.5 trillion in investments will be needed in India’s transmission sector, and NTPC’s network could become a cornerstone for this green energy transition.
Additional Power Sources Under Consideration
The Pudimadaka hydrogen hub may require power beyond NTPC’s Anantapur solar project. Other clean energy generators, including the ultra-mega solar power park in Kurnool, are under evaluation to supply power to the hub.
Timelines and Investment Breakdown
Building the transmission line will take 1-1.5 years, with the complete network ready by 2032.
By this time, NTPC Green Energy aims to achieve 60 GW of installed renewable energy capacity.
They estimate the total investment for green energy generation, transmission infrastructure, and hub-switcher installation at ₹1 trillion.
The authorities will allocate about 30% of this amount, or ₹30,000 crore, to transmission. NTPC may also seek financial assistance from the state government for this significant endeavor.
A Milestone for India’s Energy Landscape
As reported by qrius.com, the project underscores the critical role of transmission in meeting India’s renewable energy targets, offering an opportunity to scale up clean energy use while fostering industrial growth.
