Mumbai, Oct. 13 -- India and Singapore are exploring a 3,000 km land-based power transmission corridor linking Imphal with Singapore through Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia, Union minister of state for power Shripad Yesso Naik said at the East Asia Summit Energy Ministers' Meeting in Manila. The proposed route is among the options being assessed for a 2,000 MW cross-border electricity interconnection between the two countries.

The power ministry said the proposed connection could support reliable electricity trade, improve the integration of clean energy and strengthen regional energy security. The corridor would pass through four Southeast Asian countries, creating a direct overland route between India's northeastern region and Singapore's power system if the plan progresses.

India is expanding its regional electricity links as part of efforts to improve energy cooperation with neighbouring countries. It already has power connections with Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Bhutan, and exports electricity to these markets. Discussions are also under way for an interconnection with Sri Lanka, while possible grid links with Saudi Arabia and the UAE are being explored.

Naik said India was prepared to share its experience in large-scale renewable energy deployment, grid integration, transmission planning, energy storage, green hydrogen and clean-energy technologies with participating countries. The minister also sought stronger institutional ties between the Asean Centre for Energy and Indian organisations involved in generation, transmission, regulation, research and training.

The institutions identified for deeper cooperation included NTPC, Power Grid Corp. of India, the Central Electricity Authority, the National Institute of Wind Energy, the National Institute of Solar Energy and the National Power Training Institute. India has also been promoting wider regional power connectivity through the International Solar Alliance's One Sun One World One Grid initiative, which aims to encourage the coordinated use of renewable energy across borders. The summit was attended by energy ministers and representatives from Asean member states, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia and the US.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.