CEA Greenlights 7.5 GW: India's Big Leap in Pumped Hydro Storage

In a major step toward strengthening India’s energy storage capacity, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has granted techno-economic clearance to six hydro-pumped storage projects (PSPs), totaling approximately 7.5 GW for the financial year 2024–25.

Announced by the Ministry of Power, the approvals mark a significant push for PSP development, particularly the emerging off-stream, closed-loop systems. Cleared Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) include projects such as Upper Indravati (600 MW) in Odisha, Sharavathy (2,000 MW) in Karnataka, Bhivpuri (1,000 MW) and Bhavali (1,500 MW) in Maharashtra, MP-30 (1,920 MW) in Madhya Pradesh, and Chitravathi (500 MW) in Andhra Pradesh.

This progress reflects coordinated efforts between developers and key appraisal bodies like the Central Water Commission (CWC), Geological Survey of India (GSI), and Central Soil and Materials Research Station (CSMRS). The new Jalvi Store portal has improved transparency and streamlined the clearance process.

Looking ahead, CEA aims to approve at least 13 PSPs totaling around 22 GW in 2025–26. With most projects expected to be commissioned within four years, the target is to significantly scale up from the current 3.5 GW operational capacity to 50 GW by 2032.

“This year alone, two PSPs with a combined capacity of about 3,000 MW will be commissioned,” said the Ministry, highlighting the urgency of expanding storage to meet India’s renewable energy goals.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.