India Accelerates Hydro Pumped Storage Projects to Boost Renewable Energy

To streamline the approval process for Hydro PSPs, the CEA has revised its guidelines to simplify the preparation and submission of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs).

India is taking decisive steps to enhance its renewable energy infrastructure by accelerating the development of Hydro Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs). The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has recently given its approval to two major Hydro PSPs: the 600 MW Upper Indravati in Odisha, developed by OHPC Ltd (a Government of Odisha undertaking), and the 2000 MW Sharavathy in Karnataka, developed by KPCL (a Government of Karnataka undertaking). This swift approval process highlights the government’s commitment to fast-tracking the integration of large-scale renewable energy capacity and ensuring energy security.

To streamline the approval process for Hydro PSPs, the CEA has revised its guidelines to simplify the preparation and submission of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). These revisions include:

Simplified Documentation: A streamlined checklist of required documents for DPR examination has been introduced.

Shortened DPR Submission: Developers can now submit the DPR online with the first 12 design chapters completed, reducing the overall length of the DPR by dispensing with some chapters.

Revised Financial Documentation Requirements: Approval of Cost & Financial Chapters is no longer mandatory; these chapters are now for reference and record purposes only.

Off-Stream Hydro PSPs: No requirement to submit alternative location plans for reservoirs in off-stream Hydro PSPs.

Undertaking from Developers: Developers must provide an undertaking that the DPR aligns with pre-DPR clearances, eliminating the need for re-examination and saving 4 to 5 months.

Streamlined Early Excavation Permissions: Simplified procedures for early excavation permissions to expedite site work, potentially saving 6 to 8 months in project execution.

Timely Investigations: Developers are advised to complete investigations and submit reports promptly to facilitate parallel activities by appraising agencies, saving 1 to 2 months.

India’s National Electricity Plan projects an installed capacity of Energy Storage Systems, including Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), to reach 74 GW by 2031-32. The country has a potential of about 176 GW of Hydro PSPs, with 4.7 GW operational, 4 GW under construction, 3.6 GW concurred, and around 60 GW under survey and investigation.

The government, supported by the CEA, Central Water Commission (CWC), Geological Survey of India (GSI), Central Soil and Materials Research Station (CSMRS), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), and Hydro PSP developers, is committed to achieving this ambitious target in mission mode.