NTPC and CEA host national workshop on standardising pumped storage projects

Collaborative event gathers industry leaders to enhance efficiency and environmental compliance in energy storage initiatives.

NTPC, India’s largest integrated power company, collaborated with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) to successfully organise a two-day National Level Workshop on “Standardisation of Technical Specifications for Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs)” at the Power Management Institute (PMI) in Noida. The workshop aimed to enhance collaboration among PSP developers, civil execution agencies, electro-mechanical equipment manufacturers, consultants, and government authorities.

MAKP Singh, Member (Hydro), CEA, and KS Sundaram, Director (Projects), NTPC, graced the inaugural session alongside S.N. Tripathi, RED (Hydro), NTPC, and other senior officials.

Over 200 delegates from various Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs), State PSUs, government departments, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and technocrats nationwide participated in the workshop. Notable attendees included representatives from CEA, CWC, GSI, EDF, the Embassies of France and Ukraine, as well as companies like L&T, Tata Projects, AFCONS, RVNL, Andritz Hydro, Voith Hydro, Power Machines, and BHEL.

Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) are economically viable large-scale energy storage systems available domestically. They help balance excess energy generation from Variable Renewable Energy sources during non-peak hours and meet rising grid demands during peak hours, providing grid stability and reliable power supply to consumers.

Key discussions during the workshop covered policy frameworks, statutory clearance requirements, and environmental considerations for PSPs. Officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF & CC) elaborated on policies and methodologies for forest and environmental clearances necessary for detailed project reports (DPRs). Civil construction leaders such as Tata Projects, L&T, and RVNL presented innovative methodologies and technological advancements crucial for timely completion of PSPs. M/s Greenko, involved in the Pinnapuram PSP in Andhra Pradesh, highlighted specific challenges faced in PSP development.

Equipment manufacturers Andritz Hydro and Voith Hydro provided technical insights aimed at standardising electro-mechanical equipment for PSPs. They stressed the importance of involving OEMs from the conceptualisation stage to streamline basic design, which can expedite model studies and manufacturing of electro-mechanical equipment.

The concluding session, chaired by MAKP Singh, Member (Hydro), CEA, included S.L. Kapil, Ex-Executive Director of NHPC, R.P. Ahirwar, Head of Project at Koldam, NTPC, and J.C. Kakoti, GM (Hydro Engineering), NTPC.

Currently, NTPC is actively pursuing 8900 MW of PSPs across the country, with the recent allocation of the Upper Bhavani PSP (1000 MW) by the Government of Tamil Nadu.