Pumping Up the Future: India’s Bold Move to 100 GW of Storage

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has projected that India will achieve 100 GW of pumped-storage hydropower (PSP) capacity by 2035–36 as part of its long-term energy strategy.

The projection is outlined in a report titled “Roadmap to 100 GW of Hydro Pumped Storage Projects by 2035–36”, released by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal. According to the report, India’s energy storage requirements are expected to reach 62 GW by 2029–30 and rise to 161 GW by 2034–35, underscoring the importance of meeting the 100 GW PSP target. The government has identified energy storage systems—particularly PSPs—as a priority to strengthen energy security and support the integration of renewable power.

The report highlights that pumped-storage projects are critical to India’s energy future. PSPs operate using two reservoirs at different elevations, storing surplus electricity by pumping water to the upper reservoir and generating power during peak demand by releasing it to the lower reservoir. The CEA has proposed a phased capacity addition plan and recommended promoting off-stream, closed-loop PSP projects to improve grid resilience and operational flexibility.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.