CEA Chairperson Releases IIT Roorkee Report on Pumped Storage Hydropower
On March 12, 2026, Shri Ghanshyam Prasad, the Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), emphasized the critical role of Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSP) in India’s transition to clean energy. This announcement was made during a gathering of experts at the CEA, where a significant report titled “Pumped Storage Hydropower in India: Drive, Initiatives, Market Growth and Challenges” was released. The report was prepared by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee.
Importance of Pumped Storage Hydropower
Shri Prasad highlighted that India is currently experiencing an unprecedented growth in renewable energy sources. However, he pointed out that this growth can only be sustained through the large-scale deployment of energy storage solutions, particularly long-duration energy storage technologies. He noted that Pumped Storage Hydropower is a proven technology that offers long-duration energy storage capabilities, is highly indigenized, and is available at competitive prices during peak hours.
Government Initiatives to Promote PSP
The Chairperson elaborated on various measures taken by the Government of India to accelerate the development of Pumped Storage Hydropower in the country. These initiatives aim to enhance the capacity and efficiency of energy storage systems, which are essential for balancing supply and demand in the energy grid.
Insights from the IIT Roorkee Report
The report released by IIT Roorkee, led by the esteemed Prof. Arun Kumar, provides a comprehensive review of the current state of Pumped Storage Hydropower development both in India and globally. It covers several critical aspects:
- Technological Advancements: The report discusses the latest advancements in PSP technology, highlighting innovations that can improve efficiency and reduce costs.
- Policies and Regulations: It reviews the existing policies and regulatory frameworks that govern the development of PSP projects in India.
- Business Models: The report analyzes various business models for PSP implementation, providing insights into successful case studies and potential challenges.
- Recommendations: It offers strategic recommendations aimed at hastening the development of Pumped Storage Hydropower in India.
Call for Investment in Research and Development
During the event, Prof. Arun Kumar expressed gratitude to the CEA Chairperson for the release of the report and acknowledged the cooperation of CEA officials in its review. He emphasized the need for India to accelerate the development of Pumped Storage Hydropower to achieve decarbonization of the power grid. Prof. Kumar also called for increased investment in research and development to foster indigenous development of PSP technologies.
Event Attendance
The report release event was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including:
- Senior officials from the Central Electricity Authority
- Industry leaders in the energy sector
- Executives from Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs)
- Pumped Storage developers
- Leading advisory firms
- Financial institutions
- Technology providers
Conclusion
The release of this report marks a significant step towards enhancing the understanding and implementation of Pumped Storage Hydropower in India. With the right policies, investments, and technological advancements, India can harness the potential of PSP to support its clean energy goals and ensure a sustainable energy future.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest available data and reports as of March 2026.
