Himachal Pradesh Ventures into Pumped Storage Projects, Greenlights 2 Projects Totalling 1900 MW
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced the state's plan to invest in Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) to balance renewable energy supply. Two major projects totalling 1900 MW have already been approved.
September 25, 2024. By Mrinmoy Dey
In the last cabinet meeting, the state approved the allotment of the first two such projects including the 1,630 MW Renukaji Pump Storage Project in the Sirmaur district and 270 MW Thana Plaun Pump Storage Project in the Beas Basin of Mandi district to the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd. (HPPCL).
Sukhu reasoned, “Himachal Pradesh, being a hilly state, is ideally suited for Pumped Storage Projects. The geography offers immense potential for constructing such projects, which will ensure grid stability as these projects are crucial for mitigating power shortages during high-demand periods by releasing stored water to generate electricity through turbines.”
In the PSP system, water is pumped from a lower to a higher elevation reservoir using low-cost electricity, typically during off-peak hours. When electricity demand rises, the stored water is released back through turbines, converting potential energy into electricity, ensuring energy supply.
According to an official statement released by the Himachal Pradesh state government, work on both projects is already underway, with two distinct powerhouses, one for regular power generation and another dedicated to the Pumped Storage Project (PSP) system. The Renukaji Hydro Power Project will have a capacity of 40 MW, while the Thana Plaun Hydro Electric Project will generate 191 MW, with separate turbines to be installed for the PSP system.
The CM said that under the Swaran Jayanti Policy, 2021, the state prioritises the development of Pumped Storage Projects. Proposals for both identified and self-identified PSPs, along with Pre-Feasibility Reports, will be invited every six months. “These efforts align with the government’s commitment to enhancing revenue generation through hydro projects and positioning Himachal Pradesh as a prosperous state in the country,” said the Chief Minister.
The statement further added that SJVNL Ltd. has identified four pumped storage projects with a total capacity of 2,570 MW, BBMB has identified eight projects with a combined capacity of 13,103 MW, NTPC Ltd. has identified two projects totalling 2,400 MW, the private sector has identified seven projects of 2,074 MW and HPPCL has identified two projects with a potential capacity of 1,900 MW in the state.
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