During the financial year 2024–25, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), under the Ministry of Power, concurred detailed project reports (DPRs) for six hydro pumped storage projects (PSPs) totalling around 7.5 GW. The approved projects include 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. The approval of these projects is the result of coordinated efforts between PSP developers and appraisal organisations such as the Central Water Commission, Geological Survey of India, and Central Soil and Materials Research Station.
To expedite the process, the CEA introduced several reforms including a streamlined DPR format, a submission checklist, and a new online portal named “Jalvi Store.” These measures have enhanced transparency and efficiency in the appraisal process, especially for off-stream, closed-loop PSPs. For the upcoming FY 2025–26, the CEA aims to concur at least 13 new PSPs totalling about 22 GW, with most targeted for commissioning within four years and no later than 2030.
India’s hydro PSP potential now exceeds 200 GW, driven by self-identified projects and increasing monthly additions. Despite having only 3.5 GW of operational hydro PSP capacity currently, development has begun in mission mode. Two PSPs with a combined capacity of 3 GW are expected to be commissioned by 2025, and by 2032 the figure is projected to reach around 50 GW. At present, eight projects totalling 10 GW are under construction, while DPRs have been concurred for three more projects of approximately 3 GW. Additionally, 49 PSPs with a potential of 66 GW are under survey and investigation, with finalisation of DPRs anticipated within two years.
