GE Vernova has secured a major contract from PowerGrid Corporation of India (PGCIL) to develop a 6 GW High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission corridor connecting Barmer in Rajasthan with South Kalamb. The project, booked in the fourth quarter of 2026, will strengthen India’s electricity transmission infrastructure and support large-scale renewable energy integration.
The ±800 kV Barmer II–South Kalamb HVDC project will have a total transmission capacity of 6,000 MW, comprising two 3,000 MW poles. The high-capacity corridor will enable the transfer of renewable electricity from Rajasthan, a major solar and wind energy generation hub, to electricity consumption centers.
GE Vernova has not disclosed the contract value or project completion schedule.
GE Vernova to Supply HVDC Equipment and Digital Grid Technology
Under the contract, GE Vernova will provide the complete design of the bipolar HVDC transmission system, including new converter stations, major electrical equipment, site erection, testing and commissioning.
The project will feature advanced Line Commutated Converter (LCC) valves, manufactured at GE Vernova’s Pallavaram facility in India.
GE Vernova will also deploy its eLumina digital control system to manage electricity flows, improve transmission efficiency and support grid stability.
The ±800 kV transmission technology is designed for transporting large volumes of electricity over long distances, helping PowerGrid integrate renewable generation from western India into the national electricity network.
PowerGrid Expands Renewable Energy Transmission Infrastructure
The 6 GW Barmer–South Kalamb transmission corridor will support India’s expanding renewable energy sector by addressing the need for high-capacity electricity connections between generation centers and major demand regions.
Rajasthan’s growing solar and wind power capacity requires substantial investment in transmission infrastructure to transport electricity efficiently to other states.
Rajasthan had 51.60 GW of installed renewable energy capacity, ranking second among Indian states, as of September 30, 2026. Solar power accounted for 45.12 GW, making Rajasthan India’s largest solar power state, while wind capacity reached 5.82 GW, ranking fifth nationally. Renewable energy represented approximately 77.53 percent of Rajasthan’s total installed electricity generation capacity.
Rajasthan generated 69.12 billion units of renewable electricity in FY2025–26, an increase of approximately 20.5 percent from 57.35 billion units in the previous financial year. The state aims to achieve 125 GW of renewable energy and storage capacity by FY2029–30, including 90 GW of solar, 25 GW of wind and hybrid capacity, and 10 GW of storage and hydropower.
As of September 2026, transmission infrastructure supporting approximately 15.5 GW of renewable energy capacity had been commissioned, with another 51.5 GW under implementation.
These figures highlight the importance of PowerGrid’s new 6 GW HVDC transmission corridor. The project will strengthen PowerGrid’s ability to accommodate renewable electricity generation while supporting reliable electricity supply for residential, commercial and industrial consumers.
Philippe Piron, President and CEO of GE Vernova’s Electrification Segment, said the project reflects India’s increasing requirement for advanced transmission technology as renewable energy capacity expands.
Sandeep Zanzaria, CEO and Managing Director of GE Vernova T&D India, emphasized the importance of the corridor in integrating Rajasthan’s renewable electricity into the national grid. The latest contract strengthens GE Vernova’s partnership with PowerGrid and expands its presence in India’s HVDC transmission equipment market, supported by increasing investments in renewable energy integration and electricity grid modernization.
BABURAJAN KIZHAKEDATH