Green Energy Corridor III

Context

The government has approved Green Energy Corridor Phase III (GEC-III) with an estimated investment of around ₹1.86 lakh crore. The initiative aims to facilitate the evacuation of large volumes of renewable energy, along with approximately 50 GWh of battery storage capacity, and support India’s target of achieving 900 GW of installed non-fossil fuel capacity by 2035.

Key Highlights

• Renewable energy-rich states are often located far from major load centres. Therefore, efficient transmission infrastructure is as important as increasing generation capacity.
• The variable nature of solar and wind power requires accurate forecasting, flexible generation, energy storage, demand response and effective interstate power balancing.
• Green energy transmission corridors may face challenges related to land acquisition, forests, biodiversity and right-of-way permissions, which can delay renewable energy projects.
• GEC-III will support the expansion of India’s intra-state transmission system and facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the national grid.
• The project is expected to enable the transmission of up to 135 GW of clean energy.
• The government has provided ₹54,082 crore in Central Financial Assistance under the initiative.

Way Forward

• Generation, energy storage and transmission infrastructure should be planned in an integrated manner.
• Competitive procurement mechanisms can help improve the efficiency of renewable energy infrastructure.
• Ecologically sensitive areas and wildlife corridors should be protected while developing transmission networks.
• Distribution companies and electricity markets need to be strengthened so that renewable power can be efficiently absorbed rather than curtailed.