The Central Electricity Authority (CEA), under the Ministry of Power, has granted techno-economic clearance to six hydro-pumped storage projects (PSPs) with a combined capacity of approximately 7.5 GW during 2024-25. This clearance marks a significant milestone in India’s push toward long-term, sustainable energy storage. The approved projects include 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.

These approvals are the result of coordinated efforts among project developers and appraising bodies such as the Central Water Commission (CWC), Geological Survey of India (GSI), and the Central Soil and Materials Research Station (CSMRS). Various measures were implemented to resolve challenges and accelerate the appraisal process, which was further streamlined through the Jalvi Store portal.

Looking ahead, CEA aims to approve at least 13 PSPs with a total capacity of around 22 GW in 2025-26. Most of these projects are targeted for commissioning within four years and no later than 2030. Their development is expected to significantly enhance the country's energy storage capabilities, supporting grid stability and advancing India’s renewable energy targets.

Private sector involvement in the PSP segment has been increasing, with the estimated potential now exceeding 200 GW and growing steadily. Currently, India has around 3.5 GW of operational hydro PSP capacity. Two more projects, totalling about 3 GW, are expected to be commissioned this year. Additionally, eight projects (10 GW) are under construction, while DPRs for three more (3 GW) have been approved. Another 49 projects totalling 66 GW are under survey and investigation, with final DPRs expected within two years.

News source: The Week

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