Transmission system planning under uncertainty of supply and demand in Indian context
Electricity demand in Indian Power System is expected to be more than 200 GW in next 5 6 years for which more than 75 GW capacity additions has been envisaged during 12th Plan(2012 17) Additionally, more than 30 GW has been envisaged to be added through grid interactive renewable energy resources which includes about 19 GW through wind and 10 GW through solar energy. Both Govt/Public and private sectors are participating in big way in all segments of electricity supply chain, i.e. generation, transmission and distribution. The Electricity Act, 2003 enabled setting up of IPPs(private generation project) along with open access. In this direction, large capacity addition has been envisaged through IPPs at various complexes in the State of Orissa, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu etc. without firm beneficiaries/commissioning schedule. Such uncertainties along with right of way (RoW) pose challenges to the transmission planner for development of transmission system. A new concept for transmission system planning under uncertainty of supply and demand levels for transfer of power to target destinations/direction is presented. The challenges for development of transmission system under such uncertainties as well as implementation mechanism along with recovery of investment are deliberated. Emerging technology integration in the development of transmission system in modular way is also highlighted. A case study with specific reference to development of high capacity transmission corridors for various IPPs in Chhattisgarh, M.P in Western region and Jharkhand, Orissa in Eastern Region is also presented.