IIT Roorkee report outlines growth, policy initiatives, and challenges in expanding pumped storage projects to support India’s renewable energy expansion.
Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Ghanshyam Prasad, has underscored the crucial role of pumped storage hydropower (PSP) in supporting India’s clean energy transition and ensuring grid stability amid the rapid expansion of renewable power.
Speaking at an event in New Delhi where a new report titled “Pumped Storage Hydropower in India: Drive, Initiatives, Market Growth and Challenges” was released, Prasad emphasized that India is witnessing unprecedented growth in renewable energy capacity. However, he noted that sustaining this momentum requires large-scale energy storage solutions, particularly long-duration storage systems.
The report, prepared by experts from Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), examines the current status of pumped storage development in India and globally. It highlights the technology’s potential to provide reliable long-duration energy storage and help balance variable renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
Prasad stated that pumped storage hydropower remains a proven technology in India, offering long-duration storage capabilities with a high degree of domestic manufacturing and competitive costs during peak demand hours. He also outlined several initiatives taken by the Government of India to accelerate the development of PSP projects across the country.
Congratulating the research team led by Arun Kumar, a noted hydropower specialist from IIT Roorkee, Prasad described the report as a comprehensive assessment covering technology trends, regulatory frameworks, and emerging business models for pumped storage projects. He said the study provides valuable recommendations for speeding up PSP deployment in India.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Kumar thanked the CEA leadership for releasing the report and supporting its development. He stressed that accelerating pumped storage hydropower projects will be vital for decarbonizing India’s electricity grid and strengthening energy security. Kumar also called for greater investment in research and development to promote indigenous technologies for PSP systems.
The event brought together senior officials from the Central Electricity Authority, representatives from central public sector undertakings, industry leaders, project developers, advisory firms, financial institutions, and technology providers to discuss the future of pumped storage hydropower in India.
With renewable energy capacity rapidly increasing, experts believe pumped storage projects will play a key role in ensuring grid reliability while enabling the country to meet its climate and clean energy targets.