PSPs to have growing role in renewable transition
Power Ministry Secretary Pankaj Agarwal has emphasized that ensuring grid stability is a matter of urgent national priority and every state must actively contribute to this effort.
He has further underlined the need for Sub-regions within states to become self-sufficient from a grid management perspective, with a strong focus on flexible generation and load shifting https://www.nseindia.com/ .
Agarwal added that there is a need of brainstorming and policy dialogue to fast-track PSP development, with a focus on reviewing procedural delays and streamlining processes and platforms like these are vital for building consensus and enabling coordinated sectoral action https://www.bseindia.com/.
Agarwal spoke on 1 May at a high-level Brainstorming Session on “Pumped Storage Projects: Powering India’s Renewable Future” organized in New Delhi by THDC India Ltd and Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in association with NTPC, with the support of Central Board of Irrigation and Power (CBIP) & Committee for International Commission on Large Dams (INCOLD).
The session witnessed the participation of over 300 distinguished delegates including top government officials, policymakers, developers, environmental experts, regulators, and senior representatives from the public and private sectors from near about 95 organisations and institutions from all around the country.
The day-long event focused on the growing role of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) in supporting India’s renewable energy transition and achieving the national target of net zero emissions by 2070.
Agarwal was joined by Akash Tripathi (IAS), Additional Secretary (Hydro), Ministry of Power, M.G. Gokhale, Member (Hydro), CEA; Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC; R.K. Vishnoi, CMD, THDCIL; Mohmmad Afzal, Joint Secretary (Hydro); Bhupender Gupta, Director (Technical), THDCIL, A. K. Dhinkar, Secretary, CBIP along with other senior officers of Power Sector in India were among the dignitaries present at the ceremony.
The event featured four focused panel discussions that covered critical themes, including the “Policy, Planning, and Regulatory Framework for Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs)”, “Geological, Civil, and Material Considerations in PSP Development”, “Environmental and Forest Clearance Framework- Challenges & Streamlining”, and “Implementation Challenges & Way Forward for PSPs in India”. These discussions provided valuable insights into the complexities and opportunities within each area, fostering a productive dialogue among policymakers, developers, technical experts, and environmental professionals.
Speaking at the meeting, Akash Tripathi highlighted that the genesis of this workshop lies in the need to bring together relevant stakeholders to collaborate on accelerating the development of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) in India. He noted that the workshop aims to foster brainstorming and exchange of key policy perspectives on how to fast-track PSP implementation
M.G. Gokhale pointed out the vast potential of PSPs, emphasizing their critical role in achieving the country’s Net Zero targets through reliable energy storage. He noted that, around 3 GW of PSP capacity is expected to be added in 2025-26, including the commissioning of the 1000 MW Tehri PSP in the coming months.
Gurdeep Singh stressed the urgent need for large-scale deployment of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs), stating that the energy transition cannot succeed without robust storage solutions. Given the intermittent nature of renewables, he emphasized the need of storage capabilities for a stable shift to renewable energy and reliable grid management.
A. K. Dhinkar highlighted the importance of accelerating the development of PSPs as a key player in building a resilient and sustainable future.
Speakers underlined the urgent need for streamlined policy support, faster clearance mechanisms, robust financing options, and strengthened collaboration between central and state agencies to scale up PSP deployment across India.
Meanwhile, THDC India Ltd, a subsidiary of NTPC, is also in the final stages of commissioning India’s first Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant of 1,000 MW capacity at Tehri, Uttarakhand, having successfully completed critical tests—marking a significant milestone in India’s energy storage journey. Fiinews.com
