More than 3 GW of pumped hydro storage advances in India

THDC India Ltd., a subsidiary of NTPC Ltd., has commissioned Unit-3 (250 MW) of its 1 GW (4×250 MW) variable-speed pumped storage hydropower project in Uttarakhand.

The project comprises four units of 250 MW each and is designed to provide 1 GW of peaking power, strengthening grid reliability across northern India.

The reservoirs created by Tehri Dam and Koteshwar Dam on the river Bhagirathi serve as upstream and downstream reservoirs for the pumped storage plant.

The project is being executed by Alstom, in consortium with Hindustan Construction Co. (HCC). Alstom’s scope includes supply of four 250 MW variable speed turbine and generator units and other equipment including main inlet valves and control and protection systems.

Meanwhile, Bihar State Power Generation Co. Ltd (BSPGCL) has selected GreenCo Energies and Sun Petrochemicals for the development of 2.12 GW of pumped storage power projects under the Bihar Pumped Storage Project Promotion Policy–2025. The projects are proposed in the hilly areas of Nawada district, where the natural elevation difference is suitable for pumped storage systems.

Both projects will be implemented by the selected agencies at their own cost, with a total investment of INR 13,000 crore. GreenCo Energies will develop a 1,200 MW pumped storage plant at Ekamba village with an investment of INR 7,800 crore, while Sun Petrochemicals will invest INR 5,200 crore to develop a 920 MW project at Gosaitari village in Nawada district.

The projects will use off-stream and closed-loop systems, wherein water from the Dhanerjay and Sakri rivers will be stored during the monsoon and used for renewable energy generation. This technology will have no adverse impact on the natural flow of rivers and will significantly enhance grid stability.

During the construction phase, the projects are expected to generate employment for approximately 8,000 people. They will provide Bihar with enhanced capacity for renewable energy integration, peak demand management, and grid stability, enabling consumers to access reliable electricity at competitive rates.

BSPGCL, under the Energy Department, will provide all necessary facilitation and support to both agencies. Both projects are targeted for completion within three years.

Within just five months of the notification of the Bihar Pumped Storage Project Promotion Policy–2025, the Energy Department has completed all required processes, including agency selection and land allocation, demonstrating the state’s commitment to clean energy development.