Plans for 5.1 GW of pumped hydro energy storage in India

The nation is set to install 3.6 GW of PHES capacity across two projects in the state of Maharashtra and a further 1.5 GW/12 GWh in Uttar Pradesh.

Mumbai-based oil and gas company JSW Energy yesterday announced its JSW Neo Energy Ltd business has secured a PHES power procurement agreement from the state-owned Uttar Pradesh Power Corp Ltd (UPPCL) for 1.5 GW/12 GWh of pumped hydro.

Under the agreement, JSW will supply energy storage capacity for a period of 40 years at a fixed capacity charge of INR 7.72 million per megawatt of project capacity, per annum.

The project, located in the Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh, will be capable of a scheduled discharge of eight hours, with a maximum six continuous hours per day. The project is expected to be commissioned in the next six years.

“Subsequent to this, the company’s total locked-in energy storage capacity now stands at 28.3 GWh, which includes 26.4 GWh of pumped storage projects,” stated JSW Energy. “The company is well-positioned to achieve its target of 40 GWh of energy storage by 2030.”

That project announcement followed the news Indian renewables business Avaada Group has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the state of Maharashtra’s Water Resources Department to develop two major PHES projects with a combined capacity of 3.6 GW in the state.

Avaada, an integrated energy enterprise, will develop the 2.4 GW Pawana Falyan and 1.2 GW Sirsala PHES projects with a cumulative investment of INR 151 billion. These projects are expected to generate over 3,800 direct employment opportunities.

Avaada stated these PHES initiatives will play a critical role in strengthening Maharashtra’s energy security by enabling round-the-clock renewable power, supporting grid balancing, and ensuring the seamless integration of clean energy into the state’s power mix.

On this occasion, the chief minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, said, “Maharashtra aims to become the green energy hub of India. All signed MoUs must translate into swift execution on the ground and the government will ensure complete support to developers to fast-track these transformational projects.”

Vineet Mittal, chairman of Avaada Group, added, “This agreement is a decisive step towards securing India’s clean energy future. Pumped storage solutions are pivotal for maintaining grid reliability and ensuring renewable energy availability round-the-clock. We are honored to partner with the Government of Maharashtra in this journey towards a sustainable and prosperous future.”

From pv magazine India.