THDC India Ltd., in collaboration with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and NTPC, organized a day-long session on pumped storage projects (PSPs) at the SCOPE Convention Centre, New Delhi. The session, which drew participation from around 300 delegates representing 95 organizations, focused on technical, regulatory, and implementation aspects of PSPs in the context of renewable energy integration and grid stability.
Four panel discussions addressed key topics: policy and regulatory frameworks, geological and civil design considerations, environmental clearances, and implementation challenges. Discussions emphasized the need for process streamlining, improved inter-agency coordination, and enhanced planning and financing mechanisms to accelerate PSP deployment.
Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, stated, “Ensuring grid stability is a matter of urgent national priority and every state must actively contribute to this effort,” adding that regional self-sufficiency in grid management is essential. Akash Tripathi, Additional Secretary (Hydro), Ministry of Power, noted that the event aimed to foster policy dialogue to fast-track PSP implementation.
M.G. Gokhale, Member (Hydro), CEA, reported that approximately 3 GW of PSP capacity is expected to be added in 2025–26, including the 1000 MW Tehri PSP, which is nearing commissioning. Gurdeep Singh, CMD of NTPC, stressed the necessity of storage solutions to manage the variability of renewable energy sources. R.K. Vishnoi, CMD of THDCIL, highlighted the role of automation in improving PSP operational efficiency and addressing implementation delays.
Participants from multiple government bodies, private sector developers, and academic institutions shared case studies and outlined best practices in project planning and execution. Discussions also underscored the importance of addressing delays in environmental and forest clearances and developing financing models tailored to PSPs.
THDC India Ltd., a subsidiary of NTPC, is a power utility engaged in the development of hydro and renewable energy projects. It is currently finalizing the commissioning of a 1000 MW variable speed pumped storage plant at Tehri, Uttarakhand, following the successful completion of key testing phases.