Rajasthan’s Green Corridor: CERC’s Nod For New Licensee

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has granted a transmission licence to Rajasthan Part I Power Transmission Limited for the implementation of the “Transmission System for Evacuation of Power from Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) in Rajasthan (20 GW) under Phase-III Part I”. This is a part of the larger goal of establishing a green corridor for boosting the ease of renewable energy evacuation from the renewable-rich zones of Rajasthan like Bhadla and others.

The order, issued following a petition, was pronounced after a hearing on June 11, 2025. The project will be developed on a Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) basis. Adani Energy Solutions Limited emerged as the winning bidder with the lowest annual transmission charge of ₹35,570 million.

Major Infrastructure & Timeline

The project entails large-scale transmission infrastructure, including two ±800 kV HVDC (High-Voltage Direct Current) terminal stations at Bhadla (Rajasthan) and Fatehpur (Uttar Pradesh), 6000 MW each, interconnected via a long-distance HVDC line with Dedicated Metallic Return. Key assets also include a 2xD/c 400 kV quad moose line, five 1500 MVA ICTs at Fatehpur, and loop-in/loop-out (LILO) of the 765 kV Varanasi-Kanpur line. Commercial operation dates (CODs) range from January 2029 to July 2029 for different elements.

Regulatory Process and Clearance

CERC had issued a prima facie proposal to grant the licence on May 23, followed by a public notice. With no objections received and a favourable recommendation from the Central Transmission Utility of India (CTUIL), the Commission concluded that the petitioner met the conditions under the Electricity Act, 2003 and the 2024 Transmission Licence Regulations.

The licence will be valid for 25 years, subject to multiple compliance conditions including adherence to technical and grid standards, performance regulations, and non-discriminatory open access. The licensee is restricted from engaging in electricity trading and must award the EPC contract through competitive bidding.

Project execution will be closely monitored by CTUIL, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), and an appointed independent engineer. Any lapses in the schedule must be reported to the Commission for further action.

The petition was allowed, marking a key regulatory milestone in India’s renewable energy transmission infrastructure.