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Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Limited (GETCO) is a key player in India’s power sector. Since its inception in 1999, GETCO has been responsible for transmitting electricity in the state. The corporation has made significant strides in strengthening states’s power infrastructure. With renewable energy being generated increasingly across the state, the energy transmission corporation is now taking proactive measures to boost renewable energy connectivity in the state.

In the coming years, the corporation plans to invest Rs. 1 Lakh Crore up to FY 2029-2030 to upgrade and expand the transmission infrastructure in the western Indian state. This substantial investment ensures that the state’s transmission system keeps pace with the growing demand for electricity, increased renewable energy capacity, and the need for a reliable and resilient power grid. Modern technology and improved efficiency will ensure the reliability of quality power transmission and help the state reduce power transmission losses.

GETCO’S “NO DENIAL POLICY”: ASSURED RENEWABLE ENERGY CONNECTIVITY ON DEMAND

Gujarat has always been a pioneer in the renewable energy sector. The state government has ensured a sustainable
environment and its transition towards clean energy through its conducive state policies, streamlining relevant procedures, effective implementation of state programs, etc.

In a strategic move towards accelerating the development of renewable energy to meet the ambitious target of 100 GW by 2030, as a part of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s ambitious target of meeting 500 GW at the national level, Gujarat Government has constituted a high-level Standing Committee chaired by MD GUVNL and MD GETCO, GEDA, GPCL, DISCOMs and senior officials from GUVNL, GETCO and SLDC as members. This Committee is tasked with identifying potential areas for renewable energy generation in the state and finalising the transmission system for integration of renewable energy generation.

Also Read :- GSECL Leads Gujarat’s Renewable Revolution

It will provide assured connectivity to the renewable energy generators in the potential areas by providing connectivity at the existing substation or the nearby existing substation; otherwise, connectivity shall be granted by creating new transmission infrastructure within the specific timeline. This proactive approach will ensure that connectivity is not denied to renewable energy generators in the potential areas.

This initiative will foster the comprehensive growth and advancement of renewable energy generation in the state, in tandem with the National target of 500GW of renewable energy generation capacity by 2030, progressing swiftly towards the vision of Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2070.

EXPANSION OF TRANSMISSION NETWORK

Focus on Infrastructure Development: GETCO supports the state’s rapid industrial growth and urbanisation. The state registered significant industrialisation and has become a manufacturing hub for various sectors, namely textiles, chemicals, automobiles, pharma, diamonds, and others. The corporation plays a pivotal role by providing reliable power transmission to large industries.

Solar and Wind Energy Integration: Due to its favourable geography, the state emerged as a leader in renewable energy, especially solar and wind power. The corporation was instrumental in integrating renewable energy into the grid, especially from projects in the arid regions of Kutch and Saurashtra. For example, the state’s Charanka Solar Park, one of the largest in Asia, was developed during this period, and the corporation built the necessary transmission infrastructure to carry power from this park to the grid.

Substation and Transmission Line addition: The state has increased the number of substations and high-voltage transmission lines. These include 66 kV, 132 kV, 220 kV, and 400 kV transmission systems.

Implementation of SCADA Systems: The corporation introduced Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems to better control and monitor the power transmission system, improving grid stability and management.

Introduction of Technology Upgrades: The corporation began upgrading older systems with modern technology to improve the efficiency and reliability of power transmission, helping the state reduce power transmission losses.

STRENGTHENING OF GRID INFRASTRUCTURE

High-Capacity Transmission Lines: With increased power demand, the corporation constructed higher-capacity transmission lines, e.g., 400 kV, to transmit power over longer distances, ensuring that power generation in remote areas (such as wind farms in Kutch) could meet the state’s needs.

Smart Grid Initiatives: GETCO began adopting smart grid technologies, which helped improve the reliability and stability of the transmission network. These technologies also reduced transmission losses and managed demand fluctuations more efficiently.

Power Supply to Remote Areas: A key milestone was the successful electrification of the state’s remote and rural areas. This was made possible by expanding its sub-transmission network to regions previously underserved.

FOCUS ON MODERNISATION AND DIGITALISATION

Grid Modernisation and Digitalisation: The corporation embraced digital technologies such as automation, predictive maintenance, and Internet of Things (IoT)- based monitoring systems. This helped predict and manage grid issues better, reduce downtime, and optimise power flows.

Green Energy Corridors: GETCO played a vital role in the central government’s Green Energy Corridor initiative, which aimed to facilitate the smooth transmission of Renewable Energy. Gujarat, one of the largest wind and solar energy producers, benefited greatly from this program, and the corporation developed a dedicated transmission infrastructure for renewable energy.

Also Read :- Harnessing Water Power with Pumped Hydro Projects

Implementation of Technological Advancements: The following are the recent technological advancements.

• First State Transmission Utility (STU) to install 220 kV, ±125 MVAR STATCOM at 220 kV Timbdi S/s for
  Quality and reliable power
• Usage of Environment friendly\Green technologies, i.e. Natural & Synthetic ester oil filled power transformer
• Deployment of the world’s largest WAMS project in terms of PMUs reporting at a single control room and
  monitoring the population of transmission elements. (i.e. 1650 PMUs for 3300 elements)
• Introduction of 132/33 kV & 33/11 kV system for rapid sustainable growth
• Introduction of 765 kV system for bulk power transmission
• Introduction of “Green Substation”
• Cyber security compliant control and protection devices in SCADA
• Commissioned First full-fledged digital 220 kV Substation at Sevaliya
• Technological advancements for Land Footprint reduction:

1. HTLS reconductoring for 66 kV lines, enhancement of Power, transfer capability of transmission lines over the same RoU.
2. Planned 220 kV Vertical GIS at Khajod & Velanja.

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