Torrent Power has signed an agreement with the government of the Indian state of Maharashtra to establish 5.7 GW of pumped storage capacity, while state-owned hydropower producer NHPC is actively exploring pumped storage projects in several states across the country.
Torrent powerIndia’s private sector integrated power utility has signed an agreement with the Maharashtra state government to develop three pumped hydro projects with a capacity of 5.7 GW.
The projects involve an estimated investment of INR 27,000 crore ($3.27 billion) and will employ approximately 13,500 people during the construction phase.
In a separate development, state-owned hydropower producer NHPC is exploring pumped storage projects in several states, including Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha.
NHPC has completed the Pre-Flight Report (PFR) for the Indira Sagar Omkareshwar Pumped Storage System (525 MW) in Madhya Pradesh. It has also supplied PFR for the Tekwa-2 Pumped Storage Scheme (800 MW).
In July 2022, NHPC signed an MoU with DVC to explore setting up a joint venture for hydropower and pumped storage projects. NHPC has received letter of award for preparation of PFR for Panchet Hill Pumped Storage Project (600 MW).
As the share of renewable electricity in the network increases, energy storage becomes crucial in load management and meeting peak demand. The pump water storage tank, a tested and cost-effective technology, contains two water tanks at different heights. Water is pumped into the upper reservoir during excess power and released to produce power during peak demand.
A pump-operated water heater offers advantages over batteries, such as lower costs, a longer lifespan of 40 years, and the ability to provide 6-10 hours of storage in multiple periods throughout the day.
