In a major step towards strengthening India’s renewable energy transition, the Central Electricity Authority has approved two hydro pumped storage projects in Maharashtra, adding 2,500 MW of capacity
India’s renewable energy sector has taken another leap forward with the CEA's approval of two large-scale Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) in Maharashtra—1,500 MW Bhavali PSP by JSW Energy Ltd. and 1,000 MW Bhivpuri PSP by Tata Power Co. Ltd. The projects, supported by key agencies like the Central Water Commission (CWC) and Geological Survey of India (GSI), were cleared within 10 days of the developers submitting the final Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) through an online portal.
These PSPs are expected to be fast-tracked and operational by 2028, providing more than 15 GWh of storage capacity. This storage will address peak energy demand during non-solar hours and enhance grid stability by supporting faster renewable energy integration.
CEA aims to approve at least two PSPs per month in 2024, with a target of clearing 15 hydro storage projects totalling 25,500 MW by 2025. So far, four PSPs with a capacity of 5,100 MW have already been approved. To streamline the approval process, the CEA has launched an online portal, "Jalvi-store," to simplify pre-DPR processes and expedite clearances.
These developments highlight the growing role of the private sector in India’s renewable energy journey. The collaboration between public and private entities signals a strong push towards achieving national energy goals, further boosting the reliability and sustainability of India’s power grid.