In a significant development favouring India’s green energy transition, a contract has been awarded to Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) and Hitachi Energy India for the design and subsequent construction of a 6,000 MW, 950km long high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission link from Bhadla in Rajasthan to Fatehpur in UP. The project will facilitate the unhindered transfer of renewable energy into industrial and transport corridors of North India. The order value has not been disclosed.
Powering 60 Million Indian Households with Clean Energy
According to the statement released by BHEL, this HVDC corridor will carry clean energy for the supply of power for nearly 60 million households and will thereby further strengthen India’s target of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
Anticipated to be realised by 2029, the project is being executed through Rajasthan Part I Power Transmission Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL).
High-Voltage Support for India’s Renewable Push
The project encompasses the construction of a ±800 kV bipolar bidirectional HVDC system, which will facilitate the efficient and lossy transfer of bulk renewable energy across states. It will connect the solar-rich area of Bhadla with the industrially crucial node of Fatehpur to improve grid reliability and enhance interstate energy mobility.
This will be the fourth Ultra High Voltage Direct Current (UHVDC) project awarded to BHEL and further strengthens its portfolio of high-impact power transmission solutions.
Engineering Excellence: What BHEL Will Deliver
In this landmark project, BHEL will supply:
- Converter transformers, shunt reactors, filter bank capacitors, MV switchgear, and instrument transformers from the Bhopal plant.
- Thyristor valves from the Electronics Division from Bangalore.
The company’s Transmission Business Group will also design and install:
- A mega 765 kV/400 kV evacuation system at Fatehpur.
- A 400 kV AC substation at both Bhadla and Bhadla Extension.
Legacy of HVDC Leadership in India
BHEL has played a critical role in India’s HVDC evolution. Past and ongoing projects include:
- North-East – Agra ±800 kV, 6,000 MW HVDC Multi-Terminal Link
- Raigarh – Pugalur ±800 kV, 6,000 MW Link
- Khavda – Nagpur ±800 kV, 6,000 MW HVDC Link (ongoing with Hitachi Energy)
The company has been associated with India’s first major HVDC deployments, which were the Rihand-Dadri, Chandrapur-Padghe, and Ballia-Bhiwadi HVDC links.
Strategic Role in Indian Green Energy Mission
The HVDC link supports India’s increased need for efficient long-distance transmission systems capable of carrying high-capacity renewable power from remote generation hubs to major consumption centres.
It will also aid in India’s mission of building a strong green transmission backbone for the large-scale integration of solar and wind energy into the national grid.
Conclusion: The Backbone for India’s Clean Energy Future
With this strategic project, the BHEL-Hitachi consortium consolidates its position as a key player in India’s renewable infrastructure ecosystem. Successful delivery of this link will not only help achieve the energy transition goals but also propel India toward its ambition to become a global clean energy powerhouse.
