The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has reached a significant milestone in its efforts to secure a sustainable energy future by approving two additional Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) in Maharashtra: the 1,500 MW Bhavali PSP by JSW Energy Ltd. and the 1,000 MW Bhivpuri PSP by Tata Power Co. Ltd. These projects were approved with the assistance of the Central Water Commission (CWC), the Geological Survey of India (GSI), and the Central Soil and Materials Research Station (CSMRS), just 10 days after the developers submitted their Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) through the online portal.
The developers have committed to expediting the projects, targeting completion within 44 to 46 months, aiming for commissioning by 2028. Together, these PSPs will provide a storage capacity exceeding 15 GWh, crucial for addressing peak demand during non-solar hours and enhancing grid stability. This large-scale storage will facilitate the quicker integration of renewable energy and support the transition to a greener energy system.
CEA aims to approve at least two PSPs each month this year, subject to the completion of DPRs by developers. For the fiscal year 2024-25, CEA has set a target to approve 15 Hydro PSPs with a total capacity of 25,500 MW, of which four projects totalling 5,100 MW have already been approved.
To streamline project approvals, CEA has developed an online platform, “Jalvi-store,” which enhances transparency during the pre-DPR stage. Certain chapters have been eliminated to speed up the DPR approval process, and the guidelines now include a checklist clarifying the required information. GSI and CWC have also established multiple teams to expedite the clearance of design chapters for PSPs.
The approval of these projects, led by private sector developers, highlights the increasing involvement of private entities in advancing India’s energy transition. This shift signifies a collaborative approach between public and private sectors, driving progress toward national renewable energy goals. CEA is confident that these PSPs will significantly contribute to the reliability and sustainability of India’s electricity grid, fostering a robust and resilient energy future.
