In a recent advancement toward realizing India’s renewable energy ambitions, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has concurred two large-scale Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) in Maharashtra. These projects, a 1500 MW Bhavali PSP by JSW Energy Ltd. and a 1000 MW Bhivpuri PSP by Tata Power Co. Ltd., are set to boost the country’s power grid with more than 15 GWh of storage capacity.
These PSPs were approved in collaboration with the Central Water Commission (CWC), Geological Survey of India (GSI), and the Central Soil and Materials Research Station (CSMRS). The concurrence process was impressively expedited, with the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) being approved within 10 days of submission on CEA’s newly launched ONLINE portal, “Jalvi-store.”
The rapid approval of these PSPs highlights the country’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and the growing role of the private sector in this mission. Both JSW Energy and Tata Power have committed to fast-tracking the projects, with an expected commissioning timeline of 44 to 46 months, targeting completion by 2028. Once operational, the PSPs will provide essential storage during non-solar hours, ensuring grid stability and enhancing renewable energy integration.
CEA aims to approve at least two PSPs every month throughout the year, with a target of concurring 15 Hydro PSPs by 2024-25, representing a combined capacity of 25,500 MW. Four projects, totaling 5,100 MW, have already been approved
