NEW DELHI: State-run Power Grid is preparing a road map for setting up an electricity grid to connect SAARC nations including Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
The feasibility study for an under sea line with Sri Lanka is being finalised, according to transmission utility Power Grid Corp.
In its annual report for 2012-13, the company said it continues to play an active role in “preparing a road map for developing South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) market for electricity to develop a cross country power grid”.
The proposed cross country grid is being envisaged for harnessing each SAARC nation’s capacities and resources to address growing energy needs in the region. India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are part of SAARC.
Among others, India plans to export electricity to Pakistan. “… discussions at government level are being held for interconnection between India and Pakistan through Amritsar (India)-Lahore (Pakistan) line,” the report said.
For interconnection between India and Sri Lanka, feasibility study for a 400kV, 500/1,000 MW under sea HVDC bipole line is under finalisation, the report said.
Besides, a transmission line between India and Nepal for transfer of bulk power is under finalisation. An electricity transmission line with Bangladesh which is being implemented, is expected to be completed by 2013.
Already, India has electricity inter connections with Bhutan and Nepal.
For evacuation of power from various upcoming hydel projects in Bhutan, Power Grid is working on another transmission line, which is expected to be ready by 2015.
Currently, Power Grid has more than 1 lakh circuit km of transmission lines.
Source: The Economic Times