Pumped Storage Hydropower

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) projects 73.93 GW of storage capacity by 2031–32. This includes 26.69 GW from Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs).

India’s Energy Transition

• India is increasingly relying on renewable and other non-fossil energy sources to strengthen energy security and sustainability.
• Rapid expansion of solar and wind power is helping meet rising electricity demand with cleaner energy.
• As of July 2026, India’s installed non-fossil fuel-based electricity capacity crossed 300 GW.
• During FY 2025–26, around 55.29 GW of non-fossil capacity was added.
• India aims to achieve 500 GW of installed non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, with solar and wind expected to contribute significantly.

What are Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs)?

• PSPs are large-scale energy storage systems consisting of two reservoirs located at different elevations.
• During periods of surplus electricity, water is pumped from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir, storing energy as gravitational potential energy.
• When electricity demand rises, water is released from the upper reservoir through turbines to generate electricity.
• During the next period of surplus power, the water is pumped back uphill, completing the storage-and-generation cycle.

Significance of PSPs

• Help store surplus electricity generated by variable renewable sources such as solar and wind.
• Supply electricity during peak-demand periods.
• Improve grid stability and reliability.
• Support greater integration of renewable energy into the electricity system.
• Act as a large-scale, long-duration energy storage solution for India’s clean-energy transition.

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