The Union Cabinet has approved the Green Energy Corridor Phase-III (GEC-III) scheme to strengthen India's intra-state transmission network and facilitate the evacuation of up to 135 GW of renewable energy across states and Union Territories.

The scheme includes the deployment of 50 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to improve grid flexibility, manage renewable power intermittency, reduce congestion and meet demand during non-solar hours.

The programme is targeted for completion by FY2032-33, with a total outlay of Rs 1,86,405 crore. Of this, Rs 1,36,378 crore will be allocated to intra-state transmission systems and Rs 50,000 crore towards 50 GWh of BESS. The government will provide Rs 54,082 crore in Central Financial Support.

Greenfield transmission projects will be developed through Tariff Based Competitive Bidding, while brownfield upgrades and network strengthening will follow a Cost Plus Basis. State Transmission Utilities will oversee implementation.

The initiative is expected to support India's target of 900 GW of installed non-fossil fuel capacity by 2035, while creating employment opportunities across the power, manufacturing, construction and domestic energy-storage sectors.