Powering Up India: A 13 GW Leap in Hydro Power

The Government of India is set to significantly accelerate the development of hydro pumped storage projects (PSPs), targeting annual additions of up to 13 GW to achieve a total capacity of 50 GW by 2032. This ambitious expansion aims to enhance grid stability and support clean energy storage in alignment with India’s decarbonisation goals.

According to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), annual capacity additions—currently averaging around 3 GW—are expected to rise sharply to 10–13 GW starting FY 2028–29, marking a more than fourfold increase. The plan was outlined by CEA Chairperson Ghanshyam Prasad at the Conference on Energy Storage – Driving the Clean Energy Transition, hosted by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

India’s current installed pumped storage capacity stands at approximately 4.7 GW. The proposed scale-up will integrate substantial gigawatt-hours of energy storage, essential for balancing the growing share of variable renewable energy in the grid.

This strategic move underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening clean energy infrastructure, improving grid resilience, and achieving long-term sustainability and energy security objectives.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.