A memorandum of understanding has been signed between NHPC Limited and the Department of Energy of the Government of Maharashtra for the development of pumped storage schemes and other renewable energy projects in the Indian state of Maharashtra.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Hon’ble Sh. Devendra Fadnavis, deputy chief minister, Government of Maharashtra. It was signed by Sh. Biswajit Basu, Director, (Projects) with NHPC and Smt. Abha Shukla, Principal Secretary (Energy), Department of Energy. Other senior officers from both organizations were also present during the occasion.
The MOU envisages development of four Pumped Storage Projects aggregating to 7,350MW. Those projects are: 1,150 MWKalu, 2,250MW Savitri, 2,400MW Jalond and 1,550MW Kengadi. The specific “other renewable energy source projects” in the state that are covered by the MoU were not disclosed.
Sh. R.K. Vishnoi, CMD, NHPC expressed his gratitude to the government of Maharashtra for reposing its trust in NHPC for the development of pumped storage project in the state. “This shall be a stepping start of NHPC in the State of Maharashtra. These projects will attract an investment of about Rs. 44000 Crores and nearly 7000 indirect/direct employment in the state,” Vishnoi said.
The pumped storage projects are envisaged to act as energy storage solutions to achieve the national objective of energy transition. This involves having 500GW of renewable energy by 2030 and being Net Zero by 2070.
NHPC is predominantly a hydro player, with total installed capacity of 7,071MW of renewable power, which includes 100MW of wind and solar, through its 24 power stations, including 1,520MW through a subsidiary. In addition, 5,999MW of hydro and 105MW of solar plants are under construction.
