CEA Approves Two New Pumped Storage Projects in Maharashtra
In a major development towards India’s renewable energy goals, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has given its approval for two new pumped storage projects (PSPs) in Maharashtra. These projects, namely the 1,500 MW Bhavali PSP by JSW Energy and the 1,000 MW Bhivpuri PSP by Tata Power Co, are expected to collectively contribute over 15 GWh of storage capacity.
Backed by Key Institutions
The approval of these projects received support from various key institutions including the Central Water Commission (CWC), the Geological Survey of India (GSI), and the Central Soil and Materials Research Station (CSMRS). Their endorsement demonstrates the collaborative efforts between the private sector and government bodies to drive India’s energy transition forward.
Quick Approval Process
Impressively, the CEA approved these projects within a span of ten days after receiving the developers’ Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). The DPRs were submitted through the newly launched online portal called “Jalvi-store,” which aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the approval process.
Promising Completion Timeline
The developers of these pumped storage projects have expressed their commitment to expedite the completion process. Their goal is to commission the projects within 44 to 46 months by 2028. This signifies their determination to contribute to India’s renewable energy targets while highlighting the active participation of private developers.
Enhancing Grid Stability
These large-scale pumped storage projects hold the potential to enhance grid stability. Their main role would involve providing energy storage during non-solar hours, which would facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the grid. This brings India closer to achieving a more reliable and sustainable energy system.
CEA’s Ambitious Targets
The approval of these projects aligns with the CEA’s target to authorize at least two pumped storage projects every month this year. The aim is to have a total of 15 hydro PSPs with a combined capacity of 25,500 MW by 2024-25. Up until now, four pumped storage projects with a capacity of 5,100 MW have already been approved.
Jalvi-store Portal Streamlines Approval Process
To improve efficiency and transparency, the CEA has streamlined the approval process for pumped storage projects through its innovative online portal, “Jalvi-store”. As part of this streamlining effort, certain pre-DPR chapters have been removed, and clear guidelines have been provided to make the process more straightforward. The involvement of multiple teams from the GSI and CWC has also been instrumental in expediting the approval of design chapters.
In conclusion, the approval of these pumped storage projects in Maharashtra marks a significant step towards India’s renewable energy goals. The collaboration between private developers and key institutions showcases the increasing role of the private sector in India’s energy transition. With the efficient approval process driven by the “Jalvi-store” portal, the CEA is working towards expediting more projects and ensuring smooth integration of renewable energy into the grid.
