Green Energy Corridor Phase III: Boost to Renewable Energy Integration

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet has approved the third phase of the Green Energy Corridor (GEC) to strengthen electricity transmission infrastructure and facilitate the integration of renewable energy into power grids across States and Union Territories.

Key Features

• Renewable Energy Integration: GEC Phase III aims to facilitate the integration of up to 135 GW of renewable energy into electricity grids by 2032-33.
• Total Project Outlay: The phase has a total project outlay of more than ₹1.86 lakh crore.
• Intra-State Transmission: Around ₹1.36 lakh crore will be spent on developing intra-state transmission systems.
• Battery Energy Storage: A dedicated component of ₹50,000 crore has been provided for deploying 50 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
• Addressing Curtailment: The scheme seeks to address renewable-energy curtailment, in which electricity generation from renewable sources is restricted to maintain grid stability.
• Grid Stability: Battery storage can help balance fluctuations in renewable generation and improve the grid's ability to absorb variable sources such as solar and wind power.

What is Green Energy Corridor?

The Green Energy Corridor is an initiative focused on developing transmission infrastructure for the evacuation and integration of electricity generated from renewable-energy sources. It supports the expansion of the power grid to accommodate the growing share of renewable energy.

What is Renewable-Energy Curtailment?

Renewable-energy curtailment occurs when electricity generation from renewable sources is deliberately reduced or restricted despite the availability of generating capacity. It may occur because of transmission constraints, electricity demand or grid-stability requirements.

MCQ ENGLISH

Question

Q. With reference to Green Energy Corridor Phase III, consider the following statements:

1. It aims to facilitate the integration of up to 135 GW of renewable energy into electricity grids by 2032-33.
2. About ₹1.36 lakh crore is allocated for intra-state transmission systems.
3. The scheme includes a ₹50,000-crore component for deploying 50 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A) 1 only
 (B) 1 and 2 only
 (C) 2 and 3 only
 (D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation:

• All three statements are correct.

• Statement 1 is correct: Green Energy Corridor Phase III aims to facilitate the integration of up to 135 GW of renewable energy into electricity grids by 2032-33.

• Statement 2 is correct: Around ₹1.36 lakh crore has been earmarked for developing intra-state transmission systems.

• Statement 3 is correct: The scheme includes a dedicated ₹50,000-crore component for deploying 50 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

• Therefore, all three statements are correct, making option (D) the correct answer.