Government approves ISTS projects worth ₹13,595 crore for evacuation of 9 GW RE in two states, ET EnergyWorld

New Delhi: The Center has given the green light to new Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) schemes to facilitate phase-out of 9 GW of renewable energy (RE) from Rajasthan and Karnataka.

With a total budget of approximately ₹ 13,595 crore, these programs will be implemented through tariff competitive bidding (TBCB) and are part of the national effort to achieve 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030, of which 200 GW is already connected.

Detailing the approved schemes, the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) initiative will address the evacuation of 4.5 GW of renewable energy from three major complexes in Rajasthan. This includes 1 GW from Fatehgarh, 2.5 GW from Barmer and 1 GW from Nagaur (Merta), with the power generated being sent to the Mainpuri, Fatehpur and Orai region of Uttar Pradesh. This sprawling project is expected to be completed within two years at an estimated cost of ₹ 12,241 crore.

At the same time, the system strengthening program in Karnataka aims to phase out another 4.5 GW of renewable energy, especially from Koppal and Gadag areas. This particular program is scheduled to be completed by June 2027 and has a budget of around ₹ 1,354 crore.