The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has granted approval for two new pumped storage plants (PSPs) as part of efforts to enhance India’s renewable energy and storage capacity. The projects include the 600MW Upper Indravati in Odisha, developed by OHPC Ltd, and the 2000MW Sharavathy in Karnataka, developed by KPCL.

These approvals come amidst a broader push to integrate renewable energy sources and ensure energy security in India. The CEA has revamped its approval process to expedite the development of PSPs, which are critical for supporting the country’s energy transition.

CEA has received numerous proposals for PSPs, amounting to around 60GW, which are currently in various stages of preparation. These projects will be submitted through the CEA’s online portal for expedited approval under the Electricity Act, 2003.

To facilitate quicker approval, the CEA has revised its guidelines, simplifying the requirements for Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). Key changes include:

A shorter checklist of required documents.

Allowing online submission of the first 12 design chapters of the DPR.

No mandatory requirement for cost and financial chapters, which are now for reference only.

Eliminating the need for alternative location plans for off-stream Hydro pumped storage plants.

Including an undertaking from developers to ensure compliance with pre-DPR clearances.

Streamlining early excavation permissions to advance project timelines.

Encouraging timely submission of investigation reports for parallel review by appraising agencies.

The government has prioritized the development of Energy Storage Systems, projecting an installed capacity of 74GW by 2031-32. Currently, India has a potential of 176GW for pumped storage projects, with 4.7GW operational, 4GW under construction, and 3.6GW approved for construction.

by waterpowermagazine