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 Urban

09 Jan 2026

Mount Invests Rs 250 Cr, Adds PUF & PEB Plants, 400+ Jobs

TUMKUR, Karnataka, January 8, 2025 - Mount Roofing & Structures Private Limited, one of India's fastest-growing manufacturers in PUF and a leading solutions provider across Pre-Engineered Building (PEB) and Polycarbonate sheets, simultaneously inaugurated its second fully automated continuous Sandwich Panel manufacturing line and a new PEB manufacturing plant at its integrated campus in Tumkur." The milestone expansion, part of a total investment of INR 250 crores, marks a significant advancement in the company's commitment to engineered performance, manu..

Titan Intech Strengthens UltraLED Push With Global LED Veteran

Titan Intech has announced the induction of global LED industry veteran Su Piow Ko to its Board of Directors, marking a strategic step in strengthening its UltraLED Displays roadmap and building globally competitive LED display solutions from India.The appointment aligns with Titan Intech’s ambition to position India as a hub for advanced, high-quality LED display manufacturing. With an increased focus on UltraLED Displays, the company aims to enhance technical governance, raise manufacturing standards and expand its presence across global markets.Su Piow Ko brings over three decades of inte..

Dun & Bradstreet Flags New Growth Engines in India 2026 Outlook

Dun & Bradstreet has released its India 2026: D&B’s Perspective report, projecting a stable macroeconomic environment underpinned by fresh opportunities for productivity-led and inclusive growth. The report outlines how India’s next growth phase will be driven by digitised logistics, trusted data ecosystems, clean energy and rising city vitality.According to the outlook, India’s GDP growth is expected to reach around 6.6 per cent by FY2027, supported by resilient consumer demand and sustained public investment. Manufacturing is seen entering a new phase, moving beyond scale towar..