Power Grid
POWERGRID, a Schedule ‘A’ and ‘Maharatna' Public Sector Enterprise of Government of India under the Ministry of Power, holds a pivotal role in the bulk transmission of power across India. As of October 31, 2024, the company's transmission network spans approximately 1,78,975 ckm of Extra High Voltage (EHV) transmission lines and comprises 280 EHV AC & HVDC Sub-stations, boasting a transformation capacity of 5,43,961 MVA. The Government of India holds a majority stake of 51.34%, with the remaining shares held by public.
Key Figures for FY 2023-24:
Turnover: Rs. 46,913 crore
Net Profit: Rs. 15,573 crores
Gross Fixed Assets: Rs. 2,75,991 crore
Maintaining an impressive track record, POWERGRID consistently achieves over 99% network availability through the deployment of cutting-edge operation and maintenance techniques aligned with global standards.
Strategic Role in Power Sector Development:
As one of the largest transmission utilities globally, POWERGRID plays a strategic role in the development of the Indian power sector. Timely execution of large and critical transmission projects has resulted in the establishment of a robust National Grid which is being continuously augmented to meet the growing power transmission requirements with reliability. Towards fulfilment of GoI’s target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based Capacity by 2030, POWERGRID has facilitated evacuation more than 110 GW of non-fossil energy capacities. The current Inter-Regional power transfer capacity of the National Grid stands at about 118,740 MW of which POWERGRID owns about 99,580 of IR capacity (about 84%).
Diversification and Telecom Business:
In addition to its core transmission operations, POWERGRID has diversified into the telecom business through its wholly owned subsidiary -POWERGRID Teleservices Limited with its brand name PowerTel which is the only Telecom Service Provider in the country having pan India overhead Optic fiber network using Optical Ground Wire on power transmission lines and is offering transmission towers for Mobile Communications. The company provides backbone connectivity to metros, major cities, towns, and remote areas, with a total network coverage of over 100,000 km in 500 cities and 3,000 locations nationwide. As part of the BharatNet project, POWERGRID is entrusted with the development and maintenance of the National Optical Fibre Network in several states.
Distribution Reforms and International Presence:
POWERGRID actively contributes to distribution reforms through projects such as Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) and Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) on behalf of the Government of India. The company also extends its expertise internationally, offering consultancy services to various clients in South Asian, African, and Middle East countries.
Commitment to Sustainability:
POWERGRID is committed to operating in a sustainable manner and has been taking proactive steps in sustainability initiatives. POWERGRID has set target for meeting 50% of its internal energy needs from renewable sources by 2025 and achieve net zero status by 2047. As on July 2024, installation of 10.7 MWp rooftop solar PV systems at more than 154 locations is completed. POWERGRID’s first large-scale commercial project for the establishment of 85 MW Solar PV project at Nagda is under development. Additionally, in order to, reduce consumption of diesel use in the organization, diesel vehicles are replaced with Electrical Vehicles (EVs).
POWERGRID has adopted a well thought Water Management and waste management policies which aim at becoming Net Water Positive status for the organization by 2030 and a Zero Waste to landfill organization by 2030 respectively.
In addition to the above, POWERGRID is also taking up various initiatives towards reducing carbon footprints. Some of them include:
- Digital Substations: Green field Substations at Halo Mazra (220 kV) & Navsari (400 kV) are being developed as digital substations wherein use of copper cables is reduced to great extent.
- Alternative to “SF6 Gas”: Upgradation of 132 kV Badarpur S/s (North East Region) to green substation by using Green gas instead of SF6 is being taken up to explore alternative for SF6, which has a higher global warming potential.
- Massive plantations with suitable indigenous species in and around all substation facilities; more than 7 lakh saplings are planted.
Smart Solutions for a Smarter Grid:
POWERGRID isn't just building the infrastructure for a renewable future, but also taking steps towards making the grid smarter. Our Smart Grid and Smart Metering solutions enhance overall grid efficiency, empowering consumers with better tools to manage their energy usage. Furthermore, POWERGRID is exploring Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) as another key solution. BESS provides flexibility and stability to the grid by enabling the storage and management of renewable energy, a crucial aspect when dealing with the inherent variability of these sources.
Global Connectivity and Future Plans:
Electrical interconnections between India and neighbouring countries are being strengthened, fostering substantial power exchange across borders. Looking ahead, the company remains committed to innovation and sustainable growth, actively participating in initiatives like grid integration of Renewable Energy Zones and contributing to the global transition towards clean and affordable energy.
One Sun, One World, One Grid:
Studies on various aspects related to existing cross-border transmission interconnections and benefits of regional grid interconnections in terms of optimal utilization of energy resources including renewables, utilization of peak time diversity, sharing of reserves, the economy in operation, development of vibrant power market etc. have been identified. Opportunities of power transfer across following Inter-regional and Intra-regional transmission links through HVDC technology with undersea power cable/overhead lines have been identified. Viability of the proposed interconnections between South Asia-South East Asia, within South Asia , South Asia-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is being explored. MoU with UAE and Saudi-Arabia has been signed for cross border interconnections and interconnections with Sri-Lanka are in advance stages of finalisation.