Pumped Storage Hydropower

Powering India’s Clean Energy Transition

As clean energy reshapes India’s power landscape, a timeless technology is paving the way for a powerful new energy future. Often described as a water battery, pumped storage uses water and gravity to store electricity, bridging the gap between when power is generated and when it is needed. From reservoirs to modern grids, it is helping shape a cleaner, more reliable and resilient energy future.

Building India’s Energy Future with Storage

India’s energy transition is increasingly anchored in renewable energy to strengthen energy security and sustainability. The country is rapidly expanding solar and wind capacity to meet rising electricity demand with cleaner sources. As of July 2026, India has crossed 300 GW of installed non-fossil fuel-based electricity generation capacity. During FY 2025–26, India added around 55.29 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity. India has also set a target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. Solar and wind energy are going to make major contributions towards achieving this target.

However, renewable energy generation varies with sunlight, weather and daily demand patterns. This variability creates a growing need to store electricity when renewable generation exceeds demand. Energy storage can then supply electricity during periods of low renewable generation or peak demand.

As renewable capacity expands, the requirement for energy storage would also increase rapidly. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) projects 73.93 GW of storage capacity by 2031–32. This includes 26.69 GW from Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) and 47.24 GW from Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

PSPs can play a crucial role in meeting this long-duration storage requirement. PSPs store electricity by pumping water to an upper reservoir during periods of surplus generation. The stored water is released through turbines when electricity demand rises. This enables PSPs to shift renewable electricity across time and support grid stability. They also provide long-duration storage and peaking support, making them important for integrating large renewable capacities.

Types of Energy StorageBattery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) offer complementary solutions for integrating renewable energy into the grid. BESS can respond rapidly to short-duration requirements, supporting frequency regulation, peak management and grid balancing. PSPs provide long-duration storage, shifting large quantities of electricity across periods of surplus and demand. BESS can be deployed relatively quickly and close to renewable generation or consumption centres. PSPs require suitable geographical conditions but can provide large-scale storage over extended periods. Their long operating life also supports sustained grid infrastructure needs.

Understanding PSPs: Cycle of Energy Storage and Supply

A Pumped Storage Project typically consists of two reservoirs located at different elevations. During periods of surplus electricity, water is pumped from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir, where energy is stored as potential energy. When electricity is required, water is released from the upper reservoir through turbines to generate electricity. Once demand subsides, water is pumped back to the upper reservoir during periods of surplus electricity, completing the storage cycle. Pumped Storage Projects therefore function as large-scale energy storage systems and contribute to grid stability and renewable energy integration.

Categorising Pumped Storage Power Plants

PSPs are classified according to how their reservoirs are connected to, or situated in relation to, natural watercourses. They are grouped into three types: on-stream, off-stream open-loop and off-stream closed-loop schemes. These configurations reflect the varying association between a project’s reservoirs and natural watercourses.

On-stream Pumped Storage

On-stream pumped storage schemes have both reservoirs located on a river, stream or nallah. To meet the electricity demands, water stored in the upper reservoir flows through turbines to generate electricity. During periods of low electricity demand or surplus power, water is pumped back to the upper reservoir for reuse.

Off-stream Open-loop Pumped Storage

Off-stream open-loop pumped storage schemes have one reservoir located on a river, stream or nallah. In contrast, the other reservoir is not located on a river, a perennial stream, or a perennial nallah. When electricity is required, water flows from the upper reservoir through turbines to produce electricity. Surplus electricity is subsequently used to pump the water back, restoring the system for another cycle.

Off-stream Closed-loop Pumped Storage

Neither reservoir in an off-stream closed-loop pumped storage scheme is located on a river, perennial stream or perennial nallah. Both reservoirs are situated away from perennial natural watercourses. When electricity is required, water flows from the upper reservoir through turbines that generate power, and is then pumped back to the upper reservoir during periods of low electricity demand or surplus power.

All three types of Pumped Storage Projects have a role based on site-specific geographical and technical conditions. However, efforts are being made to identify more off-stream projects located away from rivers, supporting faster project execution and minimising impacts on aquatic ecology and the surrounding environment.

Scaling Up Energy Storage: India’s Pumped Storage Momentum

India is rapidly expanding its pumped storage capacity to support its growing renewable energy base. The development is progressing across operational, construction and pre-construction stages. This expanding pipeline is strengthening India’s long-duration energy storage infrastructure.

Operational Capacity: As of August 2026, India has 7.43 GW of operational PSP capacity across 10 projects. The projects have installed capacity above 25 MW.
Under Construction/ implementation Stage: A further 15.87 GW across 11 PSPs is under construction and/or under implementation across the country.
Next Stage of Pipeline: 10.40 GW across 8 projects has been concurred or appraised by the Central Electricity Authority.

India’s Regionally Diverse Pumped Storage Potential

India has identified 320 pumped storage projects with a combined potential of 345.38 GW. This includes 62 on-stream projects with 56.67 GW and 258 off-stream projects with 288.71 GW. These projects span all five regions and include different stages of development, including projects already in operation.

PSP development and site suitability require assessment of several technical and environmental aspects. These include topography, geology, hydrology, reservoir characteristics, foundation conditions, seismicity and environmental considerations. Construction materials, power potential and transmission connectivity are also examined during project appraisal. The Western Region has the highest identified potential at 129.72 GW. CEA attributes this mainly to topographical features and steep gradients of rivers originating from the Western Ghats. Maharashtra accounts for 67.36 GW, followed by Gujarat with 33.36 GW.

The Southern Region has 97.76 GW, led by Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu. The Eastern Region has 53.41 GW, including 41.53 GW in Odisha. The Northern Region has 50.32 GW, led by Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. The North Eastern Region contributes 14.18 GW to the identified national potential. Collectively, these regional resources underline the scale and spread of India’s pumped storage opportunity.

Projected Capacity Addition of Pumped Storage Projects

This extensive resource base provides a strong foundation for scaling long-duration energy storage. The Central Electricity Authority has therefore mapped a substantial capacity addition pathway through 2035–36. Projects totalling 100.81 GW are envisaged for commissioning by 2035–36. This includes projects already under construction and would take cumulative PSP capacity to 105.56 GW. The planned expansion can significantly strengthen grid flexibility and enable greater integration of renewable energy. It also positions pumped storage as an important pillar of India’s future electricity system.

Year	Addition (GW)	Cumulative (GW)
Up to 2024-25	–	4.745
2025-26	2.68	7.425
2026-27	2.92	10.345
2027-28	1.6	11.945
2028-29	6.35	18.295
2029-30	13.5	31.795
2030-31	21.19	52.985
2031-32	8.8	61.785
2032-33	14.59	76.375
2033-34	11.88	88.255
2034-35	5.7	93.955
2035-36	11.6	105.555
Total	100.81

Global Installed Capacity PSPsPumped Storage Hydropower Is the world’s most widely deployed form of large-scale energy storage, reflecting its established scale and maturity relative to other storage technologies. Global installed pumped hydro capacity stood at 159.8 Gigawatts at the end of 2025, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). China accounted for nearly 66 Gigawatts of this capacity, followed by Japan and the United States with around 22 Gigawatts and 19 Gigawatts, respectively. India ranks fourth globally in installed pumped storage capacity, with 7.18 Gigawatts at the end of 2025. The country’s capacity has since increased to 7.43 Gigawatts as of July 2026, reinforcing its growing role in the global pumped storage landscape.

Government Initiatives and Measures

The Government of India has taken a series of coordinated policy, regulatory, demand-side and supply-side measures to promote the development and deployment of PSPs.

Dedicated PSP Development Guidelines: The Ministry of Power notified the Guidelines to Promote Development of Pumped Storage Projects in India in April 2023.
The guidelines provide a policy framework for facilitating faster PSP development. Click to Access Guideline
Support for Enabling Infrastructure: Budgetary support covers essential infrastructure required for PSP development. This includes roads, bridges, railway sidings, ropeways, communication facilities and transmission lines. These measures improve project connectivity and strengthen project viability.
Competitive Procurement Framework: Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) Guidelines were notified in February 2025. They provide a transparent and standardised framework for procuring storage capacity and stored energy from PSPs.
Inter-State Transmission System Charge Waiver: PSPs awarded for construction by 30 June 2028 are eligible for a 100% ISTS charge waiver. The waiver applies for 25 years from commercial operation. This measure strengthens the financial viability of PSPs.
Faster Project Approvals: Revised CEA guidelines have reduced Detailed Project Report concurrence timelines. The timeline has been reduced from 90 days to 50 days for all PSPs. The requirement for clearance of Inter-State Aspects has also been removed. These measures support faster project development.
Streamlined Environmental Appraisal: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has introduced differentiated appraisal provisions for PSPs. Eligible projects can benefit from B2 categorisation under the applicable provisions. Off-stream projects also benefit from reduced baseline data requirements. These measures can accelerate environmental appraisal while maintaining regulatory safeguards.
Facilitating Survey and Investigation: MoEF&CC extended forest land survey provisions and enhanced borehole exploration limits for PSPs, facilitating timely preparation of technically robust Detailed Project Reports.
Integrated Grid and Transmission Planning: National electricity planning integrates energy storage and transmission development. This approach addresses renewable energy variability, reduces congestion and strengthens grid reliability. A roadmap envisages integrating 100 GW of PSP capacity between 2025–26 and 2035–36.
Digital Project Monitoring: The Central Electricity Authority’s Jal Vidyut DPR portal enables real-time monitoring of survey and investigation activities. It also facilitates coordination among stakeholders during project preparation. This digital approach helps streamline approvals and accelerate PSP development.
Review of limit of capital expenditure requiring the concurrence of the CEA: Government of India, vide Gazette Notification dated 01.08.2025, has revised the capital expenditure limit for schemes related to setting up hydro generating stations to ₹3,000 crore, requiring the concurrence of the CEA. Further, off-stream closed-loop pumped storage schemes, irrespective of the quantum of capital expenditure have been exempted from the requirement of concurrence by the CEA

These measures spanning policy clarity, fiscal support, streamlined clearances, competitive procurement and integrated grid planning have created an enabling environment for the accelerated development of PSPs.

Energy Transition’s Next Imperative

India’s target of achieving 500 Gigawatts of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 represents a fundamental shift in the country’s electricity landscape. As renewable energy assumes a larger role, the ability to store energy and deploy it in line with demand will become increasingly important for maintaining a reliable and balanced power system. Pumped Storage Hydropower is well positioned to address this requirement through its ability to provide large-scale, long-duration energy storage while supporting a range of wider power system needs. Its role extends from managing peak demand and integrating variable renewable energy to strengthening grid flexibility and resilience. As the clean energy ecosystem continues to evolve, the effective deployment of energy storage alongside generation and transmission infrastructure will be central to building a power system that is cleaner, more flexible and prepared for the future.

References:

Ministry of Power

· https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2286558&lang=1&reg=3&utm_source

· https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2286558&lang=1&reg=3

· https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2293896&lang=2&reg=48&utm_source

· https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2047047&lang=2&reg=48&utm_source

· https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2290015&reg=48&lang=2

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

· https://mnre.gov.in/en/physical-progress/

· https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?lang=2&reg=48&relid=293063&utm_source

Central Electricity Authority

National Thermal Power Corporation Limited