Switzerland-based technology company ABB has commissioned five substations to integrate a 648 MW solar project at Kamuthi in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu to the national transmission grid. The project was awarded by independent power producer Adani Group in 2015 and completed on schedule.
The solar photovoltaic project is made up of five plants in a single location, and 360 MW from the project is currently grid-connected. At full capacity, this facility will account for nearly 10% of the country’s current solar capacity of around 7 GW, according to ABB.
The project contributes to India’s vision of achieving 100 GW of solar power by 2022, with the overall aim of diversifying its energy mix to meet growing demand while minimizing environmental impact. As part of this plan, ABB says the government has issued a proposal to implement 25 ultra-mega solar power projects with capacities between 500 MW and 1,000 MW over a period of five years. The government of Tamil Nadu is also pursuing a solar policy that envisages a solar generation capacity addition of 3,000 MW.
“We are proud to support the country’s clean energy vision and push for solar power which demonstrates its commitment to sustainable growth,” says Claudio Facchin, president of ABB’s power grids division.
ABB’s project scope included the design, supply, installation and commissioning related to the solar plant electrification and automation systems. The company says this includes two 230 kV and three 110 kV outdoor switchyards to connect to the local transmission grid and will enable clean power supply for around 150,000 households based on average national per capita consumption.
