PGCIL commissions project that’ll allow Reliance’s Jamnagar oil refinery to meet its RPO

New Delhi: Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) has commissioned the transmission project connecting Reliance’s Jamnagar oil refinery to Jam Khambaliya ISTS pooling station. The project had been approved by PGCIL’s board in September 2022 and was earlier expected to be commissioned by September 2023. “… this is to inform that project under “Jamnagar Oil Refinery of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) to connect with Jam Khambhaliya ISTS PS” has been commissioned with effect from 5th May, 2024 for which Notification for Commercial Operation (DOCO) has been received on 27th May, 2024,” said Power Grid in a regulatory filing on Tuesday.

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The project includes a 400kV double-circuit line from Jamnagar to Jam Khambaliya GIS pooling station (60 km) and two 400kV line bays at Jam Khambaliya GIS pooling station.

Transmission line will help Reliance fulfil RPO

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) had approached the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), seeking a dedicated transmission line connected to the ISTS (Inter-State Transmission System) to source 500 MW of renewable energy, which would allow the company to meet its Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO). Reliance’s Jamnagar oil refinery in Gujarat has a total load of 1,450 MW and has a 1,750-MW captive power plant. The company had told the CERC then that the refinery has been operating in island mode for the last two decades.

The CERC gave RIL two options. First, it can form a special purpose vehicle (SPV) that can apply for a transmission licence. This subsidiary can build the dedicated transmission line, and the financials (transmission charges) can be worked out between RIL and the SPV. Second, RIL can approach any existing transmission licensee, like state-owned PGCIL or any other licensee, that can build the dedicated line. The cost of the line would be borne by RIL, said the CERC. RIL then chose to approach PGCIL for building the dedicated transmission line and the project was awarded to the PSU on ‘nomination’ basis.

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