State-run hydropower company NHPC is pursuing pumped storage projects (PSPs) in states like Maharashtra, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh with a capacity of more than 20,000 megawatts (MW).

PSPs use excess grid power from thermal power plants or other sources to pump water from the lower to the upper reservoir and to generate power at times of high demand when there is a lack of it.

“Towards development of PSPs, NHPC is pursuing the development of 20,625 MW capacities in different States of the country and also has signed a number of MoUs towards this aim. These include MoUs with Department of Energy (Maharashtra), Odisha through GRIDCO, DVC and Department of Energy (Andhra Pradesh),” NHPC CMD R K Vishnoi said.

It is critically important to take up large scale development of hydro PSPs in the country, as it can play a vital role in grid balancing and can be utilised to meet the peak power requirements, energy arbitrage, ancillary services, he explained.