Government Greenlights Unprecedented 6 Hydro Pumped Storage Projects Valued at 7.5 GW for FY25
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Synopsis
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has approved a historic number of DPRs for six hydro pumped storage projects totaling 7.5 GW, signaling a major advancement in India's energy storage capabilities and renewable energy goals.
Key Takeaways
- CEA approves six hydro pumped storage projects.
- Total capacity of 7.5 GW for fiscal year 2024-25.
- Private sector involvement enhances potential beyond 200 GW.
- Plans for 13 more PSPs aimed for 2025-26.
- Hydro PSPs essential for energy transition.
New Delhi, April 12 (NationPress) The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has given the green light to an unprecedented number of detailed project reports (DPRs) for six hydro pumped storage projects (PSPs) totaling approximately 7.5 GW for the fiscal year 2024-25, as announced by the Ministry of Power on Saturday. This marks a significant milestone in India's ongoing dedication to advancing innovative and sustainable energy storage solutions.
The six projects include the Upper Indravati (600 MW) in Odisha, Sharavathy (2,000 MW) in Karnataka, Bhivpuri (1,000 MW) and Bhavali (1,500 MW) in Maharashtra, MP-30 (1,920 MW) in Madhya Pradesh, and Chitravathi (500 MW) in Andhra Pradesh.
The encouraging involvement of the private sector in this area, alongside self-identified PSP, has propelled the country's PSP potential beyond 200 GW, with ongoing increases observed almost monthly.
Additionally, the CEA has ambitious plans to approve at least 13 PSPs with a total capacity of approximately 22 GW during 2025-26, most of which are aimed to be operational within four years, and no later than 2030.
The realization of these projects will significantly enhance energy storage capacity in the nation, thus improving grid reliability and aiding India's ambitious renewable energy targets.
Hydro PSPs play an essential role in the energy transition process, enabling the storage of surplus electricity generated during off-peak hours in elevated reservoirs in the form of water.
This stored energy can then be utilized during peak demand periods when solar energy is not available, ensuring a reliable, stable, and flexible power supply.
“From a mere 3.5 GW of operational hydro PSP capacity currently, there is a pressing need to accelerate development to utilize this potential. This year, two PSPs totaling around 3,000 MW will be commissioned, and by 2032, we anticipate reaching approximately 50 GW,” stated the ministry.
Currently, eight projects with a combined capacity of 10 GW are under construction, and DPRs have been approved for three projects totaling around 3 GW.
Moreover, there are 49 projects amounting to 66 GW that are undergoing surveys and investigations. The ministry has informed that all these DPRs are expected to be finalized by developers within the next two years.
