The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has granted environmental clearance for pumped storage hydropower projects with a total capacity of 11.98 gigawatts (Gw). This approval signifies the regulatory green light for initiatives to harness renewable energy through innovative pumped storage mechanisms. T
Approval for the country’s largest batch of new-tech energy storage projects has recently been granted by the Government. This clearance encompasses eight projects, collectively attracting an impressive investment of Rs 81,981 crore. The projects are strategically distributed across five states, as detailed in the notifications accessible on the Parivesh portal of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
Pumped storage hydropower represents a distinctive form of hydroelectric energy storage, harnessing the potential energy stored in two distinct reservoirs situated at varying elevations to facilitate electricity generation. During periods of surplus electricity, particularly during off-peak hours or when renewable sources such as solar and wind contribute to an excess of power, the surplus energy is utilized to pump water from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir.
This upward transfer of water imparts gravitational potential energy to the system, essentially converting electrical energy into gravitational potential energy.
Subsequently, when there arises an electricity demand, the stored water from the elevated reservoir is released back down to the lower reservoir. This controlled descent occurs through turbines strategically placed along the flow path, actively converting the gravitational potential energy back into electrical energy as the water turbines generate power during their downward journey.
The cyclical and reversible nature of this process underscores the efficiency and flexibility of pumped storage hydropower as a crucial component in managing energy demand and optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources within the broader energy grid framework.
As documented in the minutes of the 5th Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) meeting on River Valley and Hydroelectric Projects held in December 2023, Greenko Energy‘s ambitious proposal for a substantial 3.66-gigawatt project situated in the Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh stood out as the most significant initiative to garner a recommendation for environmental clearance.
Concurrently, two separate projects, each boasting a capacity of 1.2 gigawatts, put forth by Sterlite Grid and Gandhwani Energy in the state of Chhattisgarh, also secured commendations from the committee.
Adding to the roster of approved projects, Oju Subansiri Hydro Power Corporation received a favorable nod for its 2.22 gigawatt venture slated for Arunachal Pradesh. Furthermore, JSW Energy‘s proposal for a substantial 1.5 gigawatt hydroelectric project in Maharashtra was also accorded the much-coveted recommendation by the expert committee during this pivotal meeting.
This diverse array of approved projects reflects the committee’s visions to foster sustainable and responsible development in the realm of river valley and hydroelectric initiatives across various regions of India.
The Non-Conventional Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Limited (NEDCAP) has successfully obtained terms of reference (ToR) clearance for its ambitious 1.2 gigawatt project situated in Annamayya district. Additionally, the environmentally conscious initiative of NEDCAP extends to its 1-gigawatt project located in the YSR district, having received the necessary environmental clearance approval.
As outlined in the ToR documents, an expansive land area encompassing 2,507 hectares has been designated for the implementation of these groundbreaking projects. This substantial allocation underscores the strategic planning and commitment of NEDCAP to harness renewable energy on a significant scale.
Anticipating the operationalization of these projects within the forthcoming 3 to 4 years, NEDCAP is set to make a substantial impact on the renewable energy landscape in Andhra Pradesh.
The sole project deferred by the committee pertains to JSW Energy PSP Six’s 1.68 gigawatt initiative situated in the Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh. The committee has opted to delay its approval pending feedback from the Central Electricity Authority concerning potential overlaps with the Kandhaura Closed Loop Pumped Storage Project (1.68 GW) and the Sonbhadra Pumped Storage Project (1.2 GW).
In recommending the deferral, the Environmental Appraisal Committee (EAC) expressed concern over the proximity of two pumped storage projects, where critical components exhibit overlap, raising the specter of a potential ecological disaster. The EAC emphasized that, from both ecological and social sustainability perspectives, the concurrent development of such projects in such proximity is deemed inadvisable.
The committee also underscored the need for a comprehensive evaluation of the potential adverse environmental and social impacts that may arise from the simultaneous implementation of these projects to mitigate the risk of ecological repercussions.
Greenko Energy is actively engaged in the construction of two Integrated Renewable Energy Storage Projects (IRESP) known as the Pinnapuram Pumped Storage Project and the Saundati Pumped Storage Project. These initiatives collectively boast an impressive pumped storage capacity of 2.46 GW.
Additionally, Greenko Energy is strategically planning the development of two Integrated Renewable Energy Projects, with one slated for Pinnapuram, Andhra Pradesh. The envisioned project encompasses a diverse energy mix, featuring 2 GW of solar, 400 MW of wind, and 1.2 GW of hydro-pumped storage.
On a parallel front, JSW Energy has secured a noteworthy hydro-pumped storage project from the Power Company of Karnataka Limited, a state-owned entity. The agreement spans over 40 years, with an ambitious target of procuring 2.4 GWh. According to the details outlined in JSW Energy’s Annual Report for the year 2023, the company holds a total renewable capacity of 5.9 GW, representing a substantial 61% of its overall capacity.
Delving into the realm of energy storage, JSW Energy stands out with a secured capacity of 3.4 GWh across various projects encompassing both pumped storage (2.4 GWh) and Battery Energy Storage (1 GWh).
As part of its ongoing endeavors, JSW Energy is currently in the active stages of developing a robust 1.5 GW hydro-pumped storage project situated in the picturesque Igatpuri district of Maharashtra. This ambitious venture reflects JSW Energy’s forward-thinking approach and unwavering dedication to advancing sustainable energy solutions in the dynamic landscape of the energy sector.
