CEA Approves Two New Hydro Pumped Storage Plants

Source- This post on CEA Approves Two New Hydro Pumped Storage Plants has been created based on the article “Central Electricity Authority (CEA) accords concurrence to two Hydro Pumped Storage Plants” published in PIB on 3 August 2024.

Why in News?

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) is taking steps to accelerate the development of Hydro Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) to support India’s energy transition and ensure energy security.

Approval of Two Hydro PSPs

The CEA has granted approval to two Hydro PSPs. The first is the 600 MW Upper Indravati project in Odisha, which is being developed by OHPC Ltd and the second is the 2000 MW Sharavathy project in Karnataka which is being developed by KPCL.

What are types of Pumped Storage Projects?

Pump storage comes in two types: on-river and off-river.

A) On-river projects are hydroelectric plants supplied by rivers.

B) Off-river projects use two reservoirs at different levels. Water is pumped up from the lower to the upper reservoir when there is surplus power and flows down to generate power when needed.

What is the importance of pumped storage projects?

1) Solution for Renewable Power Variability– To tackle the variability and intermittency of renewable power from sources like solar and wind, pumped storage using water has emerged as a globally preferred solution. This method functions like a large natural battery, storing and releasing energy by moving water between reservoirs.

2) Renewable Energy Goal– India plans to reach 500GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030. To achieve its renewable energy targets, India must greatly increase its pumped storage capacity.

3) Renewable Power and Stabilizing Supply- They are important for India’s policy of maximizing renewable power use and minimizing curtailment. By storing excess power and releasing it when needed, they provide the flexibility required to stabilize the power supply.

UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy