Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID)

Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) is a leading global transmission company and a Maharatna PSU with 51.34% government ownership. Since its establishment in 1989, POWERGRID has played a pivotal role in integrating India’s power grid, ensuring efficient power transmission and supporting renewable energy growth.

As the backbone of India’s power sector, POWERGRID manages an extensive Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS), comprising high-voltage AC (765/400/220/132 kV) and DC (±800/±500/±320 kV) networks. This infrastructure ensures seamless power flow across states, connecting generation and distribution networks to fuel economic growth.

Beyond transmission, POWERGRID has diversified into telecommunications and consultancy services, further strengthening its value proposition. Committed to technological innovation and sustainable development, the company is driving India’s transition to a greener and more energy-efficient future.

Air and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions

  • GHG Emissions Reduction:
    • Scope 1 emissions: 73,497 metric tonnes CO₂ equivalent (down from 123,830).
    • Scope 2 emissions: 270,872 metric tonnes CO₂ equivalent (up from 239,561).
    • Total emissions intensity per revenue: 7.51 metric tonnes CO₂ per ₹ crore (down from 7.97).
  • Carbon Reduction Initiatives:
    • Managing SF₆ gas to reduce leakage.
    • Replacing SF₆ in pilot substations.
    • Installing 85 MW solar plants at Nagda, MP, with 80 MW more in planning.
    • Expanding green cover by planting 53,885 trees in FY 2023-24.

ESG Governance & Targets

  • Net Zero Emissions by 2047.
  • 50% internal energy use from renewables by 2025.
  • Net Water Positive status by 2030.
  • Zero Waste to Landfill by 2030.
  • Enhanced employee reskilling and vendor engagement.
  • Strengthened transparency, whistleblowing, and governance policies.

Sustainability Commitments and Strategy

POWERGRID is actively transitioning towards a sustainable energy future by:

  • Increasing reliance on renewable energy sources.
  • Enhancing energy efficiency.
  • Reducing water and waste footprints.
  • Implementing innovative technologies to mitigate carbon emissions.

Key Sustainability Areas

Environmental & Social Assessment

  • Conducts environmental and social impact assessments for all transmission projects.
  • Evaluates multiple route alternatives to minimize impact on forests, wetlands, and human settlements.

Water Management

  • Total Water Consumption: 86 million kilolitres in FY 2023-24.
  • Aims for Net Water Positive status by 2030.
  • Replenished 98% of its total water consumption through rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge in FY 2023-24.
  • No industrial water usage; wastewater is treated through Sewage Treatment Plants.
  • Water Replenishment: Rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge contribute significantly to sustainability.
  • Zero Liquid Discharge: Ensured through sewage treatment plants (STPs) and soak pits; minimal discharge into municipal systems.

Resource & Waste Management

  • Targeting Zero Waste to Landfill by 2030.
  • Over 90% of waste is diverted through recycling and reuse programs.
  • Optimizing land use with digital substations and high-efficiency conductors.

Renewable Energy Goals

  • 50% energy needs from renewables by 2025.
  • Net Zero status by 2047.
  • Installed 2 MWp solar capacity generating 10,053 MWh in FY 2023-24.
  • Replaced 155 diesel vehicles with electric vehicles.
  • Renewable Energy Usage: Increased to 36,190 GJ in FY 2023-24 (up from 30,841 GJ in FY 2022-23).
  • Non-Renewable Energy Usage: 1,513,178 GJ in FY 2023-24 (up from 1,379,323 GJ in FY 2022-23).

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

  • Spent ₹330.48 crore on CSR (exceeding the allocated ₹312.24 crore).
  • Focus areas: Rural livelihood, education, healthcare, environmental projects, and skill development.
  • Major initiatives:
    • Medical and healthcare projects (AIIMS Bilaspur, ESIC Faridabad, TB Mukt Bharat).
    • Education and skill development (ITIs in Gorakhpur and Tamil Nadu).
    • Infrastructure projects (hostels, libraries, Vishram Sadans, roads, sanitation).

Technology Adoption

  • Using GIS substations in urban areas to reduce land use.
  • Introducing ester oil in transformers to replace synthetic mineral oils.
  • Exploring eco-friendly alternatives for SF6 gas.

Carbon Sink Development

  • Reduced forest involvement in transmission lines by over 60% since 1998, saving 27,442 hectares.
  • Planted 8,26,702 trees, offsetting 17,997 tons of CO₂ annually.

Waste Management

  • Total Waste Generated: 9,305 metric tonnes (down from 11,328 metric tonnes in FY 2022-23).
  • Recycling & Reuse:
    • 6,692 metric tonnes of waste recycled.
    • 2,539 metric tonnes of construction waste reused.
  • Hazardous Waste Disposal: Managed through authorized agencies in compliance with regulations.

Environmental Compliance

  • Transmission Lines in Forest Areas: Some projects required forest clearances (details provided for specific regions).
  • Environmental & Social Assessments: Conducted for all projects to minimize ecological impact.
  • No Industrial Effluents: Operations do not involve chemical processes, ensuring minimal environmental footprint.

 To know more, visit –

https://www.powergrid.in/sites/default/files/annual_reports/PowergridAnnualReport-2023-24.pdf

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