A high-level brainstorming session on “Pumped Storage Projects: Powering India’s Renewable Future” was held at the SCOPE Convention Centre in New Delhi. The event was organized by THDC India Ltd. and the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), in association with NTPC and with support from CBIP and INCOLD. The session brought together more than 300 participants from around 95 organizations and institutions, including government officials, policymakers, project developers, environmental experts, regulators, and industry representatives from both public and private sectors.
The focus of the day-long session was on the increasing importance of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) in enabling India’s renewable energy transition and supporting the country’s target of achieving net zero emissions by 2070. The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, Government of India, who served as the Chief Guest, and Shri Akash Tripathi, Additional Secretary (Hydro), Ministry of Power, who was the Guest of Honour. Other notable attendees included Shri M.G. Gokhale, Member (Hydro), CEA; Shri Gurdeep Singh, CMD of NTPC; Shri R.K. Vishnoi, CMD of THDCIL; Shri Mohammad Afzal, Joint Secretary (Hydro), Ministry of Power; and Shri Bhupender Gupta, Director (Technical), THDCIL.
The session included four panel discussions that addressed key areas such as policy, planning and regulatory frameworks for PSPs, geological and civil considerations, environmental and forest clearance challenges, and implementation issues. These discussions encouraged dialogue among stakeholders on how to accelerate the development of PSPs in India.
During his address, Shri Pankaj Agarwal stressed the importance of ensuring grid stability and emphasized that states must aim to be self-sufficient in terms of grid management. He also pointed out the need for flexible power generation and load shifting, and called for efforts to reduce procedural delays in PSP development. Shri Akash Tripathi highlighted that the workshop was designed to bring all relevant stakeholders together to brainstorm and fast-track the implementation of PSPs through collaborative discussions.
Shri M.G. Gokhale discussed the potential of PSPs and their key role in supporting India’s clean energy goals. He mentioned that about 3 GW of PSP capacity is expected to be added in 2025-26, with the 1000 MW Tehri PSP nearing completion. Shri Gurdeep Singh emphasized the need for large-scale deployment of PSPs as a reliable energy storage solution necessary for a smooth renewable energy transition.
Shri R.K. Vishnoi welcomed participants and shared that the workshop was aimed at identifying challenges and exploring ways for efficient project execution. He also spoke about how automation could improve operational efficiency in PSPs. Shri A.K. Dhinkar expressed gratitude to all the panelists and reiterated the importance of accelerating PSP development for a sustainable energy future.
The discussions also featured contributions from experts representing major institutions like NTPC, NHPC, SJVN, Adani, TATA Power, and IIT Roorkee. Speakers shared valuable insights, case studies, and strategies to overcome barriers in PSP implementation. The event concluded with a summary by CEA and a vote of thanks by THDC, highlighting the collective commitment to advancing PSPs in India. THDC India Ltd. also announced that it is in the final stages of commissioning India’s first 1000 MW Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant at Tehri, marking a major milestone in India’s energy storage landscape.
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