Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, stressed the need for policy dialogues to fast-track the development of pumped storage hydroelectricity projects (PSPs) across India. Speaking at the Brainstorming Session on Pumped Storage Projects: Powering India’s Renewable Future, organized by THDC India and the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in association with NTPC in New Delhi, Agarwal highlighted the importance of reviewing procedural delays and streamlining processes to support faster execution of PSPs.
“There is a need for brainstorming and policy dialogue to fast-track PSP development, with a focus on reviewing procedural delays and streamlining processes,” Agarwal said, according to a statement from THDC India.
He also emphasized that ensuring grid stability is a matter of urgent national priority, and every state must actively contribute to achieving this objective.
PSPs to Play a Central Role in Renewable Integration
According to the Ministry of Power, the Central Electricity Authority has developed a plan to approve at least 13 pumped storage projects with a combined capacity of about 22 GW during 2025–26. Most of these projects are targeted for commissioning within four years and by 2030 at the latest.
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Gurdeep Singh, CMD of NTPC, underlined the critical role of PSPs in India’s energy transition, stating that the deployment of robust storage solutions is essential given the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources.
Industry Leaders Call for Faster Execution and Automation
R.K. Vishnoi, CMD of THDC India, pointed to the need for identifying roadblocks and ensuring faster, more efficient execution of pumped storage projects on the ground. He also highlighted the scope for integrating automation in various aspects of operations to enhance efficiency and ensure seamless functioning.
THDC, a subsidiary of NTPC, is currently in the final stages of commissioning its 1,000 MW pumped storage plant at Tehri, Uttarakhand.
