Pumped Storage Hydro

Tata Power to develop 2,800 MW of pumped hydro storage projects in Maharashtra

Tata Power to develop 2,800 MW of pumped hydro storage projects in Maharashtra
(photo courtesy Tata Power)

Tata Power and the Government of Maharashtra, India, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop two large pumped hydro storage projects (PSP) with a combined capacity of 2,800 MW.

These projects, with an estimated investment of about INR130 billion (US$1.6 billion), will be a 1,800 MW PSP at Shirawta in the Pune District and a 1,000 MW PSP at Bhivpuri in the Raigad District. The collaboration is poised to drive the state toward its ambitious goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2028 while concurrently generating employment for over 6,000 people, Tata Power said. Building these projects will significantly enhance energy security by providing peaking and continuous power supply along with other renewables such as solar and wind.

“The signing of this MoU is a major step forward in the Tata Power’s journey towards clean and green energy future. Pumped hydro storage is a reliable and efficient way to store energy, and these projects will support the renewable solar and wind projects to ensure reliable, 24/7 consistent power supply. This is a historic moment for both Maharashtra and Tata Power, and we are proud to be a part of this initiative,” said Dr. Praveer Sinha, chief executive officer and managing director, Tata Power.

The Western Ghats, with their natural topography and favorable geology, offer immense potential for PSP, according to a release. Tata Power operates three hydro power projects in this region: Khopoli Hydro Generating Station, Bhivpuri Hydro Generating Station and Bhira Hydro Generating Station, which includes a 150 MW PSP.

Tata Power is one of India’s largest integrated power companies and, together with its subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities, has an installed/managed capacity of 14,302 MW. The company has a presence in generation of renewable energy, as well as conventional power including hydro and thermal energy, transmission and distribution, and trading. Tata Power’s 5,442 MW of clean energy generation from solar, wind, hydro, and waste heat recovery accounts for 38% of the overall portfolio.