NHPC pursuing over 20,000 MW of pumped storage projects.

State-run hydropower major NHPC is pursuing pumped storage projects (PSPs) of more than 20,000 megawatts (MW) capacity across States such as Maharashtra, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

PSPs utilises surplus grid power available from thermal power stations or other sources to pump up water from lower to upper reservoir and reproduces power during peak demand when there is scarcity of power.

“Towards development of PSPs, NHPC is pursuing the development of 20,625 MW capacities in different States of the country and also has signed a number of MoUs towards this aim. These include MoUs with Department of Energy (Maharashtra), Odisha through GRIDCO, DVC and Department of Energy (Andhra Pradesh),” NHPC CMD R K Vishnoi told businessline.

It is critically important to take up large scale development of hydro PSPs in the country, as it can play a vital role in grid balancing and can be utilised to meet the peak power requirements, energy arbitrage, ancillary services, RE smoothing, he explained.

Vishnoi emphasised that in line with the paradigm shift towards clean energy transition and trajectory of energy markets in the country, NHPC as a business growth plan has diversified its business portfolio towards development of PSPs.

HBL