Champa-Kurukshetra

The Champa-Kurukshetra HVDC project is a major power transmission system in India, connecting the power-rich region of Chhattisgarh to the high-demand areas of northern India. This ultra-high-voltage direct current (UHVDC) link spans 1,365 kilometers, creating an energy highway for efficient power transfer.

Technical Details

The project utilizes ±800 kV UHVDC technology, which allows for high-capacity, low-loss transmission over long distances. It consists of four poles, each with a capacity of 1,500 MW, totaling 6,000 MW of transmission capability when fully operational.

The system includes two converter stations: one at Champa in Chhattisgarh (Eastern Region) and another at Kurukshetra in Haryana (Northern Region). These stations convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) for transmission and then back to AC for distribution.

Project Phases

The project was executed in two phases:

Phase I, completed in 2017, provided 3,000 MW of transmission capacity through two poles.

Phase II, completed in 2020, added two more poles to reach the full 6,000 MW capacity.

Unique Features

A notable aspect of the Champa-Kurukshetra project is its use of an overhead line with dedicated metallic return. This approach eliminates the need for ground electrodes, addressing technical and environmental issues associated with traditional electrode solutions.

The project also integrates two separately designed bipoles running in parallel operation over the same DC transmission line, a feature seen in only two other HVDC projects worldwide.

Equipment and Technology

The project incorporates advanced HVDC equipment, including 32 converter transformers, 24 double thyristor valves, 400/220 kV gas and air-insulated switchgear, and 800 kV high-speed Direct Current (DC) switches. These components enable efficient power conversion and transmission across the link.

Operational Capabilities

The HVDC system can stabilize AC systems under dynamic conditions and allows operators to control power flow direction. This bidirectional capability means power can flow from Chhattisgarh to Haryana or vice versa, depending on demand.

Environmental and Economic Impact

HVDC technology offers environmental benefits by requiring fewer overhead lines compared to equivalent AC systems. It also reduces transmission losses over long distances, making it more economically viable for bulk power transfer.

Significance

The Champa-Kurukshetra UHVDC link is an important part of India's power infrastructure, enhancing inter-regional capacity between Northern and Central India. It improves power connectivity for an estimated 46% of India's population, supporting the country's growing energy needs and facilitating the integration of power from thermal and renewable sources.