THDC India Limited (THDCIL) has announced the successful commencement of the commercial operation declaration (COD) process for the first 250 MW unit of the 1,000 MW Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant (PSP) at Tehri, Uttarakhand. This marks a historic first for India, establishing the Tehri PSP as both the country's first Variable Speed PSP and the largest of its kind by a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE).

The event was virtually inaugurated by Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, and was attended by key dignitaries including Shri Pankaj Agarwal (IAS), Secretary, Ministry of Power; Shri Akash Tripathi (IAS), Additional Secretary, Ministry of Power; Shri Gurdeep Singh, CMD of NTPC; Shri R.K. Vishnoi, CMD of THDCIL; and senior officials from THDCIL, GE Vernova, and project partners.

Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal commended THDCIL for its technological achievement, calling the milestone a bold stride toward India’s energy self-reliance. “This project significantly enhances grid stability and facilitates renewable energy integration. Variable speed technology allows for precise power flow management, making our energy ecosystem smarter and more adaptable,” he noted.

Secretary Pankaj Agarwal praised the development, stating that the Tehri PSP is a critical milestone in India’s journey toward a clean and reliable energy future. CMD of NTPC, Shri Gurdeep Singh, lauded the high-end engineering capabilities showcased by Indian PSUs and emphasised the project's role in setting the stage for future PSP initiatives.

Shri R.K. Vishnoi, CMD of THDCIL, highlighted that once the entire project is operational, the Tehri Hydro Power Complex will reach a total capacity of 2,400 MW—making it the largest hydropower complex in the country. The PSP is designed to convert off-peak surplus energy into peaking power, reinforcing grid resilience and supporting round-the-clock electricity availability.

Supplied by GE Vernova, the 250 MW variable-speed unit incorporates advanced power electronics and control systems, enabling improved flexibility and performance. GE Vernova, a global energy company, is a key consortium partner along with Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) and other stakeholders.

The Tehri Variable Speed PSP is expected to play a vital role in managing the intermittency of renewable energy sources, providing essential grid balancing services, and demonstrating India’s growing expertise in state-of-the-art hydropower technologies.