Tata Power and the Government of Maharashtra have signed an MoU to develop two large pumped storage projects (PSP) with a combined capacity of 2,800 MW in the state.
These projects, with an estimated investment of approximately Rs.13,000 crore will be situated at Shirawta, Pune (1,800 MW) and Bhivpuri, Raigad (1,000 MW) districts, a release from Tata Power said.
These projects are set to support Maharashtra’s and the country’s energy landscape, leveraging the kinetic energy of water to create a stable and reliable power supply. During times of excess energy, water will be pumped from lower reservoir to higher reservoir, and during peak demand, the stored water will power turbines, thereby generating electricity.
This initiative will significantly enhance energy security by providing peaking and continuous power supply along with other renewables such as solar and wind. With the setting up of 2,800 MW pumped hydro capacity, these projects will significantly contribute to cleaner capacity addition in the country, the release said.
PSP potential
The Western Ghats, with their natural topography and favourable geology, offer immense potential for pumped storage projects. Tata Power’s legacy in this region spans a century, operating three hydro power projects – Khopoli Hydro Generating Station, Bhivpuri Hydro Generating Station, and Bhira Hydro Generating Station that includes a 150-MW Pumped Storage Hydro project. The clean and sustainable power generated from these projects has played an important role in the economic and commercial development of Mumbai and its surroundings, while the water released from these plants has been instrumental in the overall economic growth of the Raigad and Thane districts.
Also see:
RE evacuation scheme proposed for pumped storage plants (July 22, 2024)
