GE completes first phase of Champa-Kurukshetra HVDC link

Multinational conglomerate GE has completed the first phase of Champa-Kurukshetra HVDC (high voltage direct current) link, an energy highway transmitting 3,000 MW in India for the first time.

"Paving the way for reliable, safe and efficient access to energy in northern India, GE announced the successful completion of the first phase of the two-phased Champa Kurukshetra HVDC project," a company statement said.

Spearheaded by Power Grid Corporation, the Champa- Kurukshetra link is transmitting power of up to 3000 MW, which has been achieved for the first time in India, it claimed.

The 1,287-km energy highway enhances inter-regional capacity between northern and western regions and aims at improving power connectivity for an estimated 46 per cent of India's population.

It said the ambitious two-phase project is a result of a partnership of approximately Rs 3,000 crore between the two companies. The successful transmission of 1,500 MW of power on second pole of the 800 kv Champa-Kurukshetra Transmission System this month marks the completion of the first phase.

Being executed in two phases, GE's first 800 kv UHVDC project worldwide will transport 6,000 MW of power upon full completion.

The link aims to energise demand centres of northern India by enabling states such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to access power from generation projects coming up in Raigarh, Champa, and Raipur generation complex in Chhattisgarh.

"The completion of this milestone follows government s ambitious Saubhagya scheme to bring 'Power for All , particularly to rural areas. Partnerships such as the Champa- Kurukshetra HVDC project can serve as a model for taking the benefits of the digital grid to the masses," said Vishal Wanchoo, President and CEO of GE South Asia in a statement.

HVDC, with lower losses, is more efficient than traditional AC transmission solutions.

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