Tender Summary
Power Grid Corporation of India (POWERGRID) has initiated the procurement process for a pre-bid tie-up to construct a ±800 kV High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission link. The project is a critical component of the “Transmission system for evacuation of power from Rajasthan Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Phase-IV (Part-5: 6 GW) [Barmer Complex].” This infrastructure is designed to facilitate the transfer of 6 GW of solar power from the renewable-heavy Barmer region in Rajasthan to major industrial load centers in South Kalamb, Maharashtra. The tender seeks to establish a high-capacity corridor to integrate large-scale solar generation into the national grid.
Technical Specifications
The project utilizes specific hardware configurations and high-voltage technology to ensure efficient long-distance power transfer. Technical parameters include:
- Voltage and Configuration: ±800 kV HVDC Bipole line employing Line-Commutated Converter (LCC) technology.
- Power Transfer Capacity: 6,000 MW (6 GW), with terminal stations configured as 4×1500 MW units.
- Conductor Requirement: Specific use of “Hexa Lapwing” conductors for the bipole line.
- Route Length: Approximately 900 km between the Barmer-II and South Kalamb terminal stations.
- Barmer-II Substation Components: Establishment of a 400/220kV, 6×500 MVA Air-Insulated Switchgear (AIS) pooling substation. The hardware includes 2×125 MVAr bus reactors and 400 kV line bays (quad) for renewable energy interconnection.
- Terminal Stations: Establishment of 6,000 MW, ±800 kV HVDC (LCC) terminal stations at both the Barmer-II (Rajasthan) and South Kalamb (Maharashtra) ends.
Procurement and Bidding Details
POWERGRID is conducting the procurement under a Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) framework. Bidders are required to adhere to the following commercial and administrative criteria:
- Bidding Deadlines: Bid submission and opening are scheduled for April 16, 2026.
- Project Timeline: The specific transmission line package carries a 38-month completion mandate. The broader scheme implementation is scheduled for 48 months for the first pole and 54 months for the second pole, measured from the “zero date” (Effective Date of the Transmission Service Agreement).
- Bidder Technical Qualification: Bidders must demonstrate the physical construction of at least 100 km of 345kV D/C (or higher voltage) transmission line within the previous seven years.
- Financial Requirements: A minimum average annual turnover of ₹2.68 billion is required, calculated from the best three of the last five financial years. Bidders must also show liquid assets or credit access of at least ₹447.6 million.
- Equity and Ownership: The successful bidder must acquire 100% of the equity shareholding of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), Barmer HVDC Power Transmission Limited, from REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL). A 51% equity lock-in period is mandatory for one year following the Commercial Operation Date (COD).
Official Project Context
The project serves as a significant expansion of the interstate transmission system (ISTS), overseen by the National Committee on Transmission (NCT).
- Technology Selection: The NCT selected HVDC-LCC technology over Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) based on a cost-benefit analysis by the Central Transmission Utility of India Ltd (CTUIL). The BESS alternative—modeled at 6 GW x 4.25 hours—had a reference cost of Rs. 2.80 lakh per MW per month, which was determined to be less cost-effective than the HVDC-LCC option.
- Future Procurement Standards: While LCC was chosen for this specific Barmer complex evacuation, the NCT has directed CTUIL to develop specifications for “technology-agnostic bidding” (encompassing both VSC and LCC) for future HVDC systems to increase procurement flexibility.
- Project Costing: Official reports estimate the total project cost at Rs. 24,974 crore.
- Key Entities: RECPDCL serves as the bid process coordinator, while CTUIL acts as the nodal agency and technical evaluator for the scheme.
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