ऋषिकेश, 01-05-2025
A high-level brainstorming session on “Pumped Storage Projects: Powering India’s Renewable Future” was successfully organized today 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 & INCOLD.
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 organizations 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.
The event was graced by Sh. Pankaj Agarwal (IAS), Secretary, Ministry of Power, GoI, as the Chief Guest, along with Sh. Akash Tripathi (IAS), Additional Secretary (Hydro), Ministry of Power, GoI, as the Guest of Honor. Shri M.G. Gokhale, Member (Hydro), CEA; Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC; Shri R.K. Vishnoi, CMD, THDCIL; Shri Mohmmad Afzal, Joint Secretary (Hydro), MoP; Shri Bhupender Gupta, Director (Technical), THDCIL, Sh. A. K. Dhinkar, Secretary, CBIP along with other senior officers of the power sector in India were among the dignitaries present at the ceremony.
The event featured four focused panel discussions that covered critical themes, including the “Policy, Planning, and Regulatory Framework for Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs)”, “Geological, Civil, and Material Considerations in PSP Development”, “Environmental and Forest Clearance Framework-—Challenges & Streamlining”, and “Implementation Challenges & Way Forward for PSPs in India.” These discussions provided valuable insights into the complexities and opportunities within each area, fostering a productive dialogue among policymakers, developers, technical experts, and environmental professionals.
Pankaj Agarwal, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Power, Govt. of India, during his address, emphasized that ensuring grid stability is a matter of urgent national priority and every state must actively contribute to this effort. He further underlined the need for Sub-regions within states to become self-sufficient from a grid management perspective, with a strong focus on flexible generation and load shifting. He added that there is a need for 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.
Shri Akash Tripathi (IAS), Additional Secretary (Hydro), Ministry of Power, GoI 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
Shri M.G. Gokhale, Member (Hydro), CEA highlighted the vast potential of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) in India, emphasizing 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.
Shri 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 emphasized the need of storage capabilities for a stable shift to renewable energy and reliable grid management.
Shri R.K. Vishnoi, CMD, THDCIL welcomed the imminent dignitaries and emphasized 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. Sh. Vishnoi also addressed the scope of automation in various aspects of operations and how it can ensure seamless operations and enhance efficiency.
Sh. A. K. Dhinkar, Secretary, CBIP delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the eminent panelists for their participation and contributions. He highlighted the importance of accelerating the development of pumped storage projects as a key player in building a resilient and sustainable future.
The first panel discussion was focused on the topic “Policy, Planning & Regulatory Framework for PSPs,” moderated by Shri Mohammad Afzal, Joint Secretary (Hydro), Ministry of Power. The panel included Sh. Bhupender Gupta, Director (Technical), who deliberated on the developer’s perspective on PSP development under the current policy regime.
Expert speakers from organizations such as the Ministry of Power, GoI; MoEF &CC, GoI; CEA, NTPC, THDC, NHPC, REC/PFC, SJVN, NEEPCO, CWC, UPJVNL, Greenko Group, GSI, CSMRS, MAHAGENCO, JSW Energy, APGENCO, Adani Group, OHPC, TATA Power; and Karnataka Power Corporation, and premier academic institutions like IIT Roorkee shared case studies, best practices, and innovative strategies to overcome challenges in PSP planning and execution.
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. The session concluded with a comprehensive summary by CEA and a vote of thanks by THDC.
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.
