Uttar Pradesh is enhancing its power infrastructure with new substations under the Green Energy Corridor-II project, aiming to support 4000 MW of solar power in Bundelkhand. The Rs. 4,786 crore initiative includes 20 substations with over 9440 MVA capacity and 2172 circuit km of transmission lines, improving grid reliability and renewable energy integration.
Uttar Pradesh Strengthens Electricity Network with New Substations
Uttar Pradesh is making significant strides in bolstering its power transmission infrastructure to meet rising energy demands and integrate renewable energy sources. The state, in collaboration with the Government of India, has approved the Green Energy Corridor-II (GEC-II) project in the Bundelkhand region, a Rs. 4,786 crore initiative led by the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA). This ambitious project involves the construction of 20 new substations with a total transformation capacity of over 9440 MVA and the addition of approximately 2172 circuit km of transmission lines to the grid. The initiative is designed to evacuate power from 4000 MW of solar power generation, strengthening the state’s renewable energy framework.
In a strategic move to enhance efficiency and attract private investment, the Uttar Pradesh government and the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) have mandated that all new transmission projects above 220 kV will be executed through Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB). This policy shift opens opportunities for private players to invest in the state’s power transmission network, fostering competition and modernization. The GEC-II project is expected to significantly improve grid reliability, reduce transmission losses, and support Uttar Pradesh’s renewable energy ambitions.
Beyond the GEC-II project, Uttar Pradesh has been actively expanding its power infrastructure. In 2022, during the Electricity Festival and Energy Day, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated 12 power substations and transmission centers while laying the foundation for five more, with a combined investment of Rs. 2,723 crore. These projects benefit districts such as Ballia, Jhansi, Fatehpur, Ayodhya, and Bareilly, ensuring improved power supply to urban and rural areas. The state has also made progress in reducing aggregate technical and commercial (ATC) losses, with the five distribution companies reporting a combined ATC loss of 22.33% in 2022-23, a notable improvement.
The Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), a key player in the state’s transmission landscape, continues to contribute to these developments. In 2021-22, POWERGRID added 39,095 MVA of substation capacity nationwide, with significant contributions in Uttar Pradesh. The state’s transmission utility, Uttar Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited (UPPTCL), also added 5,740 MVA during the same period. Notable upcoming projects include the Moradabad Substation (765/400 kV, 3000 MVA) and the Obra Substation (765/400 kV, 3000 MVA), both expected to be commissioned soon, further enhancing the state’s grid capacity.
Uttar Pradesh’s focus on renewable energy integration is evident in its solar power initiatives. As of July 2024, the state’s installed solar capacity stood at 3,105.59 MW, with a target of 22,000 MW by 2026-27. The GEC-II project will play a pivotal role in achieving this goal by facilitating the evacuation of solar power from Bundelkhand. Additionally, innovative projects like the 20 MW floating solar plant at Auraiya Dam and a 150 MW grid-connected floating solar plant under construction at Rihand Reservoir in Sonbhadra highlight the state’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. High grid tariffs and distribution inefficiencies continue to push commercial and industrial consumers toward rooftop solar and open-access renewable projects. In July 2024, UPNEDA auctioned 500 MW of rooftop solar projects for government buildings, with tariffs as low as Rs. 4.85 per kWh. These efforts, combined with infrastructure upgrades, are positioning Uttar Pradesh as a leader in India’s energy transition.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports, official statements from the Uttar Pradesh government, UPNEDA, POWERGRID, and industry sources. Data is sourced from publicly available information and may be subject to updates or corrections.