100 GW Pumped Storage Projects Target

Central Electricity Authority (CEA) releases a new report recognising the role of Hydro Pumped-Storage Projects (PSPs) in India’s clean energy transition. The report highlights PSPs for ensuring grid stability and meeting long-duration energy storage needs.

Hydro Pumped-Storage Projects (PSPs):

Dimension	Key Details
System type	Hydroelectric energy storage system.
Core mechanism	Two reservoirs at different elevations to store electricity by pumping water upward during periods of surplus renewable generation.
Electricity generation mode	Generates power during peak demand by releasing stored water downward through turbines.
Functional analogy	Acts like a large-scale battery.
Installed capacity	India’s currently installed hydro pumped-storage capacity stands at about 7 GW.
Pumped storage potential	India’s pumped storage potential is about 267 GW, comprising 58 GW of on-stream PSPs and 209 GW of off-stream PSPs.
Types	Open-loop: connected to a natural water body (river/lake); Closed-loop: no connection to natural water bodies and uses artificial reservoirs only.