Hydro power is set to play a crucial role in India’s renewable energy future, as the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) takes significant steps to tackle the urgent need for large-scale energy storage in the country’s power grid. By making substantial strides in this area, the CEA is committed to fostering a sustainable energy landscape that supports India’s ambitious renewable energy targets.
In keeping with its dedication to fostering a sustainable energy landscape, the CEA has recently celebrated another key achievement by approving two additional Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) in Maharashtra: the 1500 MW Bhavali PSP, developed by JSW Energy Ltd., and the 1000 MW Bhivpuri PSP, initiated by Tata Power Co. Ltd.
These projects received approval with the collaboration of several key organizations, including the Central Water Commission (CWC), Geological Survey of India (GSI), and the Central Soil and Materials Research Station (CSMRS). Remarkably, this concurrence occurred within just ten days following the completion of the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), which were submitted electronically by the developers on the designated ONLINE portal.
The developers behind these PSPs have expressed their commitment to expedite the commissioning process, aiming to complete the projects within 44 to 46 months, which translates to a target completion by 2028. Together, these PSPs will offer a substantial storage capacity exceeding 15 GWh (Gigawatt hours).
Such large-scale energy storage solutions are vital for addressing peak demand during periods without solar generation, contributing to the overall stability of the grid. Additionally, this infrastructure will facilitate quicker integration of renewable energy sources and support the transition toward a greener energy system.
The CEA has set an ambitious goal to approve at least two new PSPs each month throughout the current year, contingent upon the timely completion of DPRs by the developers. Looking ahead to the 2024-25 period, the CEA aims to concur with a total of 15 hydro PSPs, which will collectively provide a capacity of 25,500 MW. Of this, four PSPs, amounting to 5,100 MW, have already received approval.
In a bid to streamline processes and enhance the ease of doing business, the CEA has launched an ONLINE portal named “Jalvi-store.” This initiative is designed to increase transparency in the processing of project chapters during the pre-DPR phase of PSPs. Moreover, several procedural chapters have been simplified or removed to facilitate a more efficient approval process for DPRs.
A comprehensive checklist has also been incorporated into the guidelines for PSPs, outlining the specific information required for each chapter. To further expedite the clearance of design chapters, the GSI and CWC have established multiple teams focused on accelerating approvals.
The endorsement of these projects, primarily driven by private developers, highlights the expanding role of the private sector in India’s energy transition. This development signifies a shift toward a collaborative energy ecosystem, where both public and private sectors work in unison to achieve national energy goals.
This partnership is expected to significantly accelerate progress toward India’s renewable energy targets. The CEA is optimistic that these initiatives will play a crucial role in bolstering the reliability and sustainability of India’s electricity grid, ultimately paving the way for a robust and resilient energy future.
