PGCIL to set up undersea power line from Lanka

State-run transmission firm Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd will provide consultancy services to the Sri Lankan government for setting up an undersea power transmission line between the two countries.

The project, estimated to cost Rs 2,500-3,000 crore (Rs 25-30 billion), is to be jointly implemented with the Ceylon Electricity Board, the largest power company of Sri Lanka.

Globally, transnational undersea power transmission lines have been laid till date only between Britain and France, for transmission of 2,000 Mw of electricity.

PowerGrid has completed the detailed feasibility report; a DFR from the Lankan side is awaited. To expedite, PowerGrid will offer technical assistance to the Sri Lankan government in making one, a senior official from the company told Business Standard.

Earlier, the project was expected to be completed by 2013,

but has been delayed.

The line is expected to take 1,000 Mw.

The 285-km power link, including submarine cables over a stretch of 50 km, will enable the two countries to trade surplus power.

PowerGrid offers consultancy services abroad. It has over 100 consultancy clients in the power sector, the services including new transmission lines, substations and project management services.

Last year, it had secured an engineering consultancy assignment for two 400Kv sub-stations and associated overhead transmission lines in Dubai from Dubai Electricity & Water Authority.

It is also providing consultancy to neighbouring Bangladesh to set up a 400 Kv HVDC network, besides planning to install transmission lines from the Bangladesh border.

Similar opportunities are being explored in Nepal and Bhutan.