NHPC seeks 20,000+ MW in pumped storage ventures

13 Jul 2023 CW Team

It was stated that PSPs make use of excess grid power from thermal power stations or other sources to pump water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir. This stored water can then be utilized to generate power during peak demand periods when there is a shortage of electricity.

According to NHPC CMD R K Vishnoi, "NHPC is currently working on developing PSPs with a total capacity of 20,625 MW across different states in the country. Additionally, we have signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with entities such as the Department of Energy in Maharashtra, GRIDCO in Odisha, DVC, and the Department of Energy in Andhra Pradesh to further this objective."

He explained that the large-scale development of hydro PSPs is of utmost importance as it can play a significant role in balancing the power grid and meeting peak power requirements. Additionally, it can facilitate energy arbitrage, provide ancillary services, and assist in the smooth integration of renewable energy sources.

Vishnoi emphasised that NHPC, in alignment with the changing energy landscape and market trends in the country, has diversified its business portfolio to focus on the development of PSPs as part of its business growth plan.

The Ministry of Power has introduced various policy initiatives to expedite the implementation of PSPs, recognizing their importance in integrating intermittent renewable energy sources with the power transmission grid. These projects enable the supply of dispatchable renewable energy and contribute to fulfilling the peak power demands of the grid.

Previously, Power Secretary Alok Kumar had mentioned that the ministry had issued guidelines for PSPs in April 2023, receiving a positive response from the industry. He stated, "I have been informed that the industry has approached the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) with proposals for nearly 30,000 MW of PSP projects."

The CEA has projected a requirement of 236 gigawatt hours (GWh) for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and 27 GW for PSPs by the fiscal year 2032 in India.

India has identified a potential capacity of approximately 119 GW for PSPs, consisting of 109 projects. Currently, eight projects with a capacity of 4.7 GW are operational, and four projects with a capacity of 2.8 GW are under construction. The government aims to commission 39 hydro PSPs with a total capacity of 47 GW by fiscal year 2030.

Furthermore, the CEA has granted approval for two projects totaling 2.3 GW, and construction for these projects is expected to commence soon.

Also read:
NTPC Green Energy invites bids for Offshore Wind Power Projects in India
GUVNL invites bids for 500 MW Wind Power Projects with Greenshoe Option

NHPC, a state-run hydropower company, is actively pursuing pumped storage projects (PSPs) with a capacity exceeding 20,000 megawatts (MW) in various states including Maharashtra, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. It was stated that PSPs make use of excess grid power from thermal power stations or other sources to pump water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir. This stored water can then be utilized to generate power during peak demand periods when there is a shortage of electricity. According to NHPC CMD R K Vishnoi, NHPC is currently working on developing PSPs with a total capacity of 20,625 MW across different states in the country. Additionally, we have signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with entities such as the Department of Energy in Maharashtra, GRIDCO in Odisha, DVC, and the Department of Energy in Andhra Pradesh to further this objective. He explained that the large-scale development of hydro PSPs is of utmost importance as it can play a significant role in balancing the power grid and meeting peak power requirements. Additionally, it can facilitate energy arbitrage, provide ancillary services, and assist in the smooth integration of renewable energy sources. Vishnoi emphasised that NHPC, in alignment with the changing energy landscape and market trends in the country, has diversified its business portfolio to focus on the development of PSPs as part of its business growth plan. The Ministry of Power has introduced various policy initiatives to expedite the implementation of PSPs, recognizing their importance in integrating intermittent renewable energy sources with the power transmission grid. These projects enable the supply of dispatchable renewable energy and contribute to fulfilling the peak power demands of the grid. Previously, Power Secretary Alok Kumar had mentioned that the ministry had issued guidelines for PSPs in April 2023, receiving a positive response from the industry. He stated, I have been informed that the industry has approached the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) with proposals for nearly 30,000 MW of PSP projects. The CEA has projected a requirement of 236 gigawatt hours (GWh) for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and 27 GW for PSPs by the fiscal year 2032 in India. India has identified a potential capacity of approximately 119 GW for PSPs, consisting of 109 projects. Currently, eight projects with a capacity of 4.7 GW are operational, and four projects with a capacity of 2.8 GW are under construction. The government aims to commission 39 hydro PSPs with a total capacity of 47 GW by fiscal year 2030. Furthermore, the CEA has granted approval for two projects totaling 2.3 GW, and construction for these projects is expected to commence soon. Also read: NTPC Green Energy invites bids for Offshore Wind Power Projects in India GUVNL invites bids for 500 MW Wind Power Projects with Greenshoe Option

Infrastructure Urban

13 Mar 2026

Implementation Status of Jal Jeevan Mission

Since August 2019 the Government has implemented Jal Jeevan Mission to provide assured potable water through household tap connections in rural India. At the start of the mission only 32.3 million (mn) rural households, representing 16.7 per cent, were reported to have tap water connections. States and union territories have reported that 125.8 mn additional rural households have since been provided with tap connections. As a result, of about 193.6 mn rural households roughly 158.2 mn, or 81.71 per cent, are reported to have tap water supply at home.\n\nThe State, district and village level st..

Infrastructure Urban

13 Mar 2026

Jal Jeevan Mission Reaches Eighty One Per Cent Rural Coverage

The Government reported substantial progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in August 2019 to provide tap water to every rural household. At launch only 32.3 million (mn) rural households had tap connections and states and Union territories reported provision of 125.8 mn additional households by March 2026. Consequently, out of about 193.6 mn rural households around 158.2 mn, or 81.71 per cent, are reported to have tap water at home. The Finance Minister announced extension of the mission until 2028 in the 2025-26 budget speech. The Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen, launched in October 20..

Infrastructure Urban

13 Mar 2026

Empowering Local Governance for Sustainable Rural Water Supply

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has aligned the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) with the 73rd Amendment to strengthen village level planning and community ownership of water supply. Gram Panchayats, village water and sanitation committees and Pani Samitis are to plan, implement, manage and maintain piped water systems, with gram sabha processes formalising handover and oversight. Implementation support agencies including non government organisations, community based organisations and self help groups have been empanelled to train local committees and promote women participation. Under JJM, the department ..