CEA Approves 6 Hydro-Pumped Storage Projects Totalling 7.5 GW for 2024-25

16 Apr 2025

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the tech-economic clearance body, has approved six hydro-pumped storage projects totalling approximately 7.5 GW in a record time during 2024-25, as announced by the power ministry on Saturday. The CEA aims to approve at least 13 more hydro-pumped storage projects, totalling 22 GW, in the upcoming 2025-26 period, according to the ministry's statement.

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA), under the Ministry of Power, has approved the detailed project reports (DPRs) for six hydro-pumped storage projects totalling approximately 7.5 GW, achieving this significant milestone in record time during 2024-25. This marks a crucial step in India's continued commitment to advancing long-term energy storage solutions.

These six projects include the Upper Indravati (600 MW) in Odisha, Sharavathy (2,000 MW) in Karnataka, Bhivpuri (1,000 MW) and Bhavali (1,500 MW) in Maharashtra, MP-30 (1,920 MW) in Madhya Pradesh, and Chitravathi (500 MW) in Andhra Pradesh. This outcome reflects the collaborative efforts of PSP developers and appraisal organisations such as CWC, GSI, and CSMRS. A series of measures were implemented to address the issues and expedite the appraisal process.

This marks a significant achievement with the introduction of the innovative concept of off-stream, closed-loop PSPs. As per the statement, CEA has enhanced the transparency of the appraisal process through the Jalvi Store portal. CEA plans to commission at least 13 Pumped Storage Plants (PSPs) with a combined capacity of approximately 22 GW during 2025-26. The majority of these projects are expected to be completed within four years, with all of them slated for commissioning no later than 2030.