CEA approves DPRs for 6 Hydro Pumped Storage Projects totalling 7.5 GW capacity

The authority has ambitious plan to concur minimum 13 PSP of 22 GW for 2025-26.

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has accorded concurrence to Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for six Hydro Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) with a total capacity of approximately 7.5 GW during 2024–25.

The approved projects include Upper Indravati (600 MW) in Odisha, Sharavathy (2,000 MW) in Karnataka, Bhivpuri (1,000 MW) and Bhavali (1,500 MW) in Maharashtra, MP-30 (1,920 MW) in Madhya Pradesh, and Chitravathi (500 MW) in Andhra Pradesh.

The achievement is the result of coordinated efforts between PSP developers and key appraising agencies such as the Central Water Commission (CWC), Geological Survey of India (GSI), and Central Soil and Materials Research Station (CSMRS). Several innovative steps were taken to streamline the appraisal process, including the introduction of the “Jalvi Store” Portal, a simplified DPR format, and a standardised checklist to facilitate faster and more transparent submissions. These efforts have been especially impactful in promoting the development of Off-Stream, closed-loop PSPs—a relatively new concept in India.

Looking ahead, the CEA has set an ambitious target to approve at least 13 PSPs with a combined capacity of about 22 GW during 2025–26. These projects are expected to be commissioned within four years, with the latest completion timeline by 2030. This accelerated development is expected to drastically boost the country’s energy storage capacity, enhance grid stability, and support India’s renewable energy goals.

The private sector’s growing interest in this segment has further unlocked massive potential, with self-identified PSP capacity now exceeding 200 GW and continuing to rise. From a modest base of 3.5 GW of operational PSP capacity, the country aims to commission around 3,000 MW this year and scale up to approximately 50 GW by 2032. Currently, eight projects (10 GW) are under construction, DPRs for three projects (3 GW) have been cleared, and 49 more projects with a combined capacity of 66 GW are under survey and investigation, with DPRs expected to be finalised within two years. Hydro PSPs are crucial to the energy transition, allowing excess electricity generated during off-peak hours to be stored as water in elevated reservoirs and utilised during peak demand periods.

With operational lifespans of 70–80 years, these projects also offer a highly attractive long-term investment opportunity, reinforcing the CEA’s commitment to building a sustainable, flexible and resilient power system for the future.