Maharashtra-NTPC MoU boosts Raigad hydro capacity to 2,600 MW
The Maharashtra State Water Resources Department and NTPC Limited signed a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday, 29 April in Mumbai, in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, raising the combined capacity of the Amba and Kumbhe Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Projects in Raigad from 1,800 megawatts to 2,600 megawatts. The upgrade, backed by detailed geological surveys and a recommendation from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), adds 800 megawatts of clean power generation to Maharashtra's grid.
Key Capacity Revisions
Following technical surveys conducted by NTPC Limited, geological and site parameters were found to support a significant capacity enhancement. The revised MoU reflects the following upgrades: the Amba Pumped Storage Project rises from 800 MW to 1,500 MW (an addition of 700 MW), while the Kumbhe Pumped Storage Project increases from 1,000 MW to 1,100 MW (an addition of 100 MW). Together, the two projects now account for 2,600 MW of pumped hydro capacity.
Maharashtra's 60th Pumped Storage MoU
Additional Chief Secretary (Water Resources) Deepak Kapoor noted that this marks the 60th MoU signed by the state under its Public-Private Partnership policy for Pumped Storage Projects, which was notified on 20 December 2023. Across all 60 MoUs, the state expects a combined generation capacity of 82,015 MW, a projected investment of ₹4.28 lakh crore, and estimated employment for 1.31 lakh people.
