Pumped Storage Hydropower in India

Why in News?

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) projects that India will require 73.93 GW of energy storage capacity by 2031–32, including 26.69 GW from Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) and 47.24 GW from Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). PSPs are expected to play a crucial role in integrating renewable energy and maintaining grid stability.

About Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs)

Pumped Storage Projects are energy storage systems that store electricity by pumping water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir when surplus electricity is available. When electricity demand rises, the stored water is released through turbines to generate electricity.

How Does a PSP Work?

1. Energy storage: During periods of surplus electricity, water is pumped from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir using electricity.

2. Electricity generation: When demand increases, water flows from the upper reservoir through turbines, generating electricity.

3. Recharging the system: When electricity is again available in surplus, water is pumped back to the upper reservoir, completing the storage cycle.

Types of Pumped Storage Projects

PSPs are classified according to the location of their reservoirs in relation to natural watercourses.

Type	Key features
On-stream	Both reservoirs are located on a river, stream or nallah.
Off-stream open-loop	One reservoir is located on a river, stream or nallah, while the other is not located on a perennial natural watercourse.
Off-stream closed-loop	Neither reservoir is located on a river, perennial stream or perennial nallah. Both reservoirs are away from perennial natural watercourses.

PSPs and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Feature	PSPs	BESS
Storage method	Water stored at a higher elevation	Electrochemical energy stored in batteries
Main strength	Long-duration storage	Rapid response
Key applications	Shifting large amounts of electricity across periods of surplus and demand; peaking support	Frequency regulation, peak management and grid balancing
Role in renewable integration	Stores surplus electricity for later generation	Helps manage short-duration fluctuations in electricity supply and demand

Both technologies are complementary and can help integrate large renewable energy capacities into the electricity grid.

India’s Pumped Storage Potential

• Projected storage requirement by 2031–32: 73.93 GW.
• Projected PSP capacity: 26.69 GW.
• Projected BESS capacity: 47.24 GW.
• Operational PSP capacity: 7.43 GW across 10 projects as of August 2026, according to the supplied information.
• Highest identified regional potential: Western Region, at 129.72 GW.
• Global position: India ranked fourth globally in installed pumped storage capacity, with 7.18 GW at the end of 2025, according to the supplied information.

Global Scenario

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), global installed pumped hydro capacity stood at 159.8 GW at the end of 2025.

Country	Installed capacity at the end of 2025
China	Nearly 66 GW
Japan	Around 22 GW
United States	Around 19 GW
India	7.18 GW

Significance of PSPs

• Renewable energy integration: Stores surplus solar and wind electricity for use when generation is low.
• Grid stability: Helps balance electricity supply and demand.
• Peak-load management: Supplies electricity during periods of high demand.
• Long-duration storage: Supports storage needs that extend beyond short-duration battery applications.
• Energy security: Reduces the challenge of intermittency associated with renewable energy sources.

Source: PIB

CLICK HERE: GS TIMES UPSC PRELIMS & MAINS CURRENT AFFAIRS BASED DAILY TEST (ENG & HINDI)

DOWNLOAD PDF: GS TIMES UPSC (CSE) PRELIMS & MAINS CURRENT AFFAIRS BASED MONTHLY TEST PDF

CLICK HERE: DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ (FOR ALL EXAMINATIONS)

CLICK HERE FOR GS TIMES PRAHAR UPSC GS MAINS TEST SERIES