New Delhi: Inching a step closer to achieve the installation of India’s first offshore wind power generation, Power Grid Corproration of India Ltd has invited global competitive bids for laying of Undersea Power Cable off Gujarat coast. The goal to achieve here is development of a transmission system for upcoming Offshore Wind Zone Phase-I (500 MW VGF) 20 km from the shoreline, at the edge of the designated wind farm zone, located 23 km south of Pipavav port.

The project includes the design, supply, and commissioning of 2 x 300 MVA, 220 kV undersea export power cables (35 km), 6 x 100 MVA, 220 kV underground land cables (10 km), and two transition joints. As part of the project, a 500 MW capacity unmanned offshore substation (OSS) is proposed approximately 20 km from the shoreline, at the edge of the designated wind farm zone, located 23 km south of Pipavav port. The project involves the installation of offshore wind turbines, undersea array cables, and a main export subsea cable connecting the OSS to an onshore landfall point for power evacuation. The final OSS location will be confirmed in consultation with the wind farm developer.

This tender is part of a broader initiative by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, which has identified around 30 GW of offshore wind potential off the coasts of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. In the first phase, 1 GW will be developed in each state. POWERGRID has been entrusted with implementing the transmission system for the 500 MW VGF project. This 500 MW VGF project is estimated to cost Rs 6,900 crore and is scheduled for completion by March 31, 2029.

The package specifically pertains to the 220 kV submarine and underground cable segment between the Offshore Substation and Mahuva Onshore Pooling Station. The larger scope includes the establishment of a 2×500 MVA, 400/220 kV GIS pooling station, a 765/400 kV switchyard, over 190 km of high-capacity transmission lines, STATCOM units, bus reactors, and line bays, enabling future integration of offshore wind farms in the region. DeshGujarat