Ensuring grid stability matter of urgent national priority: Power Secretary

THDC India Ltd., a subsidiary of NTPC is in the final stages of commissioning India’s first Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant of 1000 MW capacity at Tehri, Uttarakhand.

Pankaj Agarwal, Power Secretary has emphasised that ensuring grid stability is a matter of urgent national priority and every state must actively contribute to this effort. Underlining the need for Sub-regions within states to become self-sufficient from a grid management perspective Pankaj stated that a strong focus should be on flexible generation and load shifting.

The secretary highlighted the current need while speaking on a high-level brainstorming session on “Pumped Storage Projects: Powering India’s Renewable Future” organised at the SCOPE Convention Centre, New Delhi by THDC India Ltd. and Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in association with NTPC with the support of CBIP and INCOLD.

He added that there is a need of brainstorming and policy dialogue to fast-track PSP development, with a focus on reviewing procedural delays and streamlining processes and platforms like these are vital for building consensus and enabling coordinated sectoral action.

Adding to it, Akash Tripathi, Additional Secretary (Hydro) in his address, highlighted that the genesis of this workshop lies in the need to bring together relevant stakeholders to collaborate on accelerating the development of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs). He noted that the workshop aims to foster brainstorming and exchange of key policy perspectives on how to fast-track PSP implementation

Moreover, M.G. Gokhale, Member (Hydro), CEA highlighted the vast potential of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) in India, emphasising their critical role in achieving the country’s Net Zero targets through reliable energy storage. He noted that, around 3 GW of PSP capacity is expected to be added in 2025-26, including the commissioning of the 1000 MW Tehri PSP in the coming months.

The speaker, Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC stressed the urgent need for large-scale deployment of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs), stating that the energy transition cannot succeed without robust storage solutions. Given the intermittent nature of renewables, he emphasised the need of storage capabilities for a stable shift to renewable energy and reliable grid management. R.K. Vishnoi, CMD, THDCIL welcomed the imminent dignitaries and emphasised that the workshop is aimed at deliberating on the development of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs). He noted that the focus will be on identifying roadblocks and exploring ways to ensure faster and more efficient execution of projects on the ground. Vishnoi also addressed the scope of automation in various aspects of operations and how it can ensure seamless operations and enhance efficiency.

Deliberations highlighted the urgent need for streamlined policy support, faster clearance mechanisms, robust financing options, and strengthened collaboration between central and state agencies to scale up PSP deployment across India.

Notably, THDC India Ltd., a subsidiary of NTPC, is also in the final stages of commissioning India’s first Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant of 1000 MW capacity at Tehri, Uttarakhand, having successfully completed critical tests—marking a significant milestone in India’s energy storage journey.

The session witnessed the participation of over 300 distinguished delegates including top government officials, policymakers, developers, environmental experts, regulators, and senior representatives from the public and private sectors from near about 95 organisations and institutions from all around the country. The day-long event focused on the growing role of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) in supporting India’s renewable energy transition and achieving the national target of net zero emissions by 2070.