The Raigarh-Pugalur 800kV ultra-high-voltage direct current (UHVDC) transmission line will now take renewable power from Tamil Nadu instead of bringing thermal power into the state. As per the original policy, nearly 4,000MW (total capacity of line is 6,000MW) of power from pit thermal units in Raigarh was to be brought through this line to Pugalur and from there 1,000MW was to be transferred to Kerala.
But recently the Centre decided to use the line to transmit 3,000MW of wind and solar power from Tamil Nadu to the western states to help them fulfil their renewable power obligations (RPO). A Tangedco official said the decision was taken as TN was power surplus.
It is a win-win situation for both Tamil Nadu and the western states. While TN can encash its renewable power generation capacity, the western states can comply with their RPO.
Tamil Nadu to sell renewable energy to western states
