MoP Revises Terms of Reference of NCT to Fast-track ISTS Process

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The Ministry of Power (MoP) has revised the terms of reference of National Committee on Transmission (NCT) to fast-track Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) planning and approval process, thereby facilitating renewable energy development and integration in the power system.

“As one more step in the series of major reforms being carried out in the power sector under the direction of the Union Power Minister RK Singh, the Ministry of Power has revised the terms of reference of NCT to fast-track ISTS planning and approval process,” a power ministry statement stated.

The NCT is mandated to propose expansion of ISTS to the ministry for approval after assessing the trend of growth in demand and generation in various regions, constraints, if any, in the inter-state, inter-region transfer of power, which are likely to arise in the near-term/medium term.

The NCT is headed by Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority, and comprising of representatives of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, the Ministry of Power, NITI Aayog, Central Transmission Utility, Power System Operation Corporation and two experts.

The ministry said, “Our country has pledged in COP-21 in Paris to reduce its carbon footprint by 33-35 per cent from its 2005 levels by 2030 and meet 40 per cent of its electricity needs from non-fossil fuel sources by then.” As a part of energy transition goal, India has set a target of 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.

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For enabling growth of renewable energy (RE) capacity, areas which have high solar/wind energy potential, as identified by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), need to be connected to ISTS, so that RE capacity can come up there. This is a national mission as a part of the country’s energy transition goal. The revision in terms of reference of NCT is expected to timely develop the required ISTS system for reaching 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.

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After considering the recommendations of the CTU and views of the RPCs, the NCT shall propose expansion of ISTS. NCT will examine the cost of the proposed ISTS scheme, and formulate the packages for the proposed transmission schemes for their implementation. NCT meetings are to be held every quarter, and monthly, if required.