Adani Electricity Mumbai Infrastructure Limited (AEMIL), a subsidiary of Adani Energy Solutions Limited (AESL), has commissioned a 1,000 megawatt (MW) high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission link between Kudus and Aarey to enhance power infrastructure in Mumbai and the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
The project features a 30-kilometre overhead line and a 50-kilometre underground corridor, designed to operate within the constraints of a densely built urban area. It includes the world's first compact HVDC substation.
Conceived following the October 2020 Mumbai blackout, which highlighted vulnerabilities in the city's power supply, the link aims to strengthen grid resilience and reliability.
The HVDC link enables Mumbai and the MMR to draw more electricity from outside the city, including renewable energy generated in other regions. While Mumbai is already connected to the national grid, this link allows more controlled, efficient, and higher-capacity power flows, particularly for renewable energy integration.
For the MMR, one of India's most energy-intensive urban clusters, the additional 1,000 MW capacity reduces reliance on local generation, improves grid resilience, and lowers the risk of large-scale outages.
The project uses Voltage Source Converter (VSC)-based HVDC technology, which provides faster and more precise control of power flows, improves voltage stability, and enhances grid reliability, especially in space-constrained urban environments.
Operational advantages include dynamic voltage support, reduced transmission losses over long distances, and black-start capability, allowing restoration of power without an external source and enabling quicker recovery after outages.
The Kudus-Aarey link is among the largest urban HVDC infeeds globally and is expected to significantly increase the share of power sourced externally, easing pressure on in-city generation as demand grows across the MMR.
Kandarp Patel, CEO of Adani Energy Solutions Ltd, said, “With the commissioning of the Aarey-Kudus transmission line, Mumbai now has a modern power corridor capable of integrating large-scale renewable energy with high reliability. It is one of the fastest HVDC projects ever commissioned which is powered by advanced VSC-based HVDC technology. The project enhances grid stability, decongests existing networks and strengthens the city’s energy security. This marks a significant step towards a cleaner, more resilient energy future for Mumbai.”