Investing in pumped-storage hydropower (PSH) helps India’s transition to clean energy

Source: The post investing in pumped-storage hydropower (PSH) helps India’s transition to clean energy has been created, based on the article “Let pump dams fill gaps in clean power supplies” published in “Live mints” on 25th June 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-infrastructure (renewable energy)

Context: The article discusses Adani Group’s plan to invest in pumped-storage hydropower (PSH) dams to help India’s transition to clean energy. These dams store energy and provide electricity consistently, even when renewable sources like wind and solar are not available.

What is Pumped-Storage Hydropower?

Pumped storage hydropower (PSH) plants are storage systems based on hydropower operations between two or more reservoirs (upper and lower) with an elevation difference. At the time of demand, downward water flow generates electricity with a hydraulic turbine, and water is pumped back to the upper reservoir using power from grid or RE sources, with an overall efficiency of 75-80%.

For more information on Pumped storage hydropower read this article

Why is Pumped-Storage Hydropower Important?

1. Consistent Energy Supply: Pumped-Storage Hydropower (PSH) dams store energy and deliver it consistently, unlike solar and wind sources which are dependent on weather 2. conditions.
2. Control Over Output: PSH allows for adjustable power output to meet varying electricity demands, acting as a reliable backup for renewable energy sources.
3. National Impact: PSH can help manage India’s peak electricity demands, aiming to support the country’s 2030 goal of 500 gigawatts from non-fossil sources

For more information read article 1, Article 2

What investments have been made in pumped-storage hydropower technology?

1. Adani Green Energy Ltd has committed to investing between ₹25,000 and ₹27,500 crore in pumped-storage hydropower (PSH) projects over the next five years. Their initial target is to achieve a PSH capacity of 5 gigawatts, aiming to eventually expand to 25 gigawatts.
2. The Union environment ministry earlier approved PSH projects totaling over ₹80,000 crore, highlighting the government’s support for this technology to enhance India’s renewable energy capacity.
3. Other major companies like Tata Power, JSW, and NTPC are also planning investments in PSH dams, indicating a significant industry trend towards utilizing this technology to stabilize and supplement the renewable energy supply in India.

Question for practice:

Discuss the significance of investments in pumped-storage hydropower (PSH) dams for India’s renewable energy sector.