Solar-Powered Hydropower storage in abandoned mines

18 Aug 2023 CW Team

India's research suggests the financial viability of repurposing idle open-cast coal mines for pumped hydropower storage of solar energy. The study, titled "Feasibility study of solar photovoltaic/grid-connected hybrid renewable energy system with pumped storage hydropower system using abandoned open cast coal mine: A case study in India," conducted by the Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, explores the potential of this approach for a mine along India's Godavari River.

The researchers propose a pumped hydro storage system, using surplus solar energy to pump water from a lower to a higher reservoir, subsequently generating energy during periods of low solar output or at night. The innovative aspect is using an open-cast coal mine, resulting in an expansive crater, as the basis for this concept.

The configuration envisions the river as the upper reservoir, leading to significant construction cost savings. The project's cost estimation amounts to $188 million, with $91 million allocated for the solar plant and $85 million for the pumped storage hydro-power plant (PSHP).

With a maximum capacity of 50 MW, the solar plant dedicates approximately 25% of its energy output to the pumped hydro station. Calculations indicate a projected levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of around $0.2693/kWh for this project in India. Factors like unexpected changes were considered, revealing that a 10% solar panel outage raises the LCOE by 19% to $0.320/kWh. In the event of a 10% increase or reduction in capital expenditures (CapEx), the LCOE adjusts to $0.3177/kWh and $0.2491/kWh, respectively.

The study concludes that the system boasts a positive net present value (NPV) of $16.408 million, affirming its economic viability. The proposed approach is deemed scalable and cost-effective, presenting a potential solution to meet future electrical requirements at the chosen site.

Infrastructure Energy

05 Jun 2026

India Adds Record 44.61 GW Solar Capacity in FY2026

India’s solar sector reached a milestone in FY2026, with cumulative installed capacity crossing 150 GW and annual additions hitting a record 44.61 GW, exceeding the government target of 34 GW and nearly doubling FY2025’s 23.83 GW. Distributed Renewable Energy contributed 16.3 GW, while PPA and C&I segments accounted for 34 per cent and 30 per cent, respectively.India has risen from 9th globally in 2015 to 3rd in cumulative solar capacity by 2025 and is set to become the world’s second-largest solar market in annual installations in 2026. Seven states, led by Rajasthan and Gujarat, ac..

Abhee Ventures unveils Scottish-themed 45-acre township in Bengaluru

Abhee Ventures, a leading South Indian real estate developer, has announced “Codename New Dimension,” a 45-acre Scottish-themed residential township at Gunjur on Whitefield–Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru. Strategically located between Whitefield and Sarjapur Road, Gunjur benefits from strong connectivity to the Outer Ring Road IT corridor, ITPL, EPIP, the upcoming Dommasandra Metro Station, and the proposed SWIFT City and Peripheral Ring Road.The township, designed in collaboration with London-based UHA London and India’s RSP Architects, offers low-density living with 85 per cent open spaces..

Hindalco unveils Eternia experience centre for high-performance aluminium windows

Hindalco Industries, the metals flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, has launched its Eternia experience centre in Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi, highlighting its high-performance aluminium window systems designed for India’s evolving construction sector. The company is also expanding its manufacturing footprint in North India with a new Bilaspur facility.Eternia has emerged as one of the fastest-growing brands in system aluminium windows, registering nearly 65 per cent CAGR over the last three years. With a nationwide network of 170+ channel partners across 100+ cities, the brand serves homeowners..