Mumbai, April 15: Adani Electricity Mumbai Infrastructure Ltd (AEMIL), a subsidiary of Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL), has commissioned a 1,000 MW high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission link between Kudus and Aarey, marking a major upgrade to power infrastructure in Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
The project comprises a 30-km overhead line and a 50-km underground corridor, engineered to operate within the constraints of a densely populated urban environment. It also features what the company describes as the world’s first compact HVDC substation, underscoring technological innovation in urban power transmission.
Conceived after the 2020 Mumbai power outage exposed vulnerabilities in the city’s grid, the project aims to enhance system reliability and resilience. The new link enables Mumbai to draw higher volumes of electricity from external sources, including renewable energy, while improving control and efficiency of power flows.
The additional 1,000 MW capacity is expected to reduce dependence on in-city generation, ease network congestion, and lower the risk of large-scale outages in one of India’s most energy-intensive urban clusters.
Built using Voltage Source Converter (VSC)-based HVDC technology, the system allows precise control of power flows, improves voltage stability, and enhances grid reliability. Key operational benefits include dynamic voltage support, lower transmission losses over long distances, and black-start capability, enabling faster restoration of power during outages.
The Kudus–Aarey link ranks among the largest urban HVDC infeeds globally and is expected to play a critical role in integrating long-distance renewable energy into Mumbai’s grid, supporting both rising demand and decarbonisation goals.
According to AESL CEO Kandarp Patel, the project represents a significant step toward building a modern, resilient, and clean energy ecosystem for Mumbai, enhancing grid stability while enabling large-scale renewable integration.
