Pumped Storage Hydropower

Pumped Storage Hydropower Latest News

According to recent updates India has 7.43 GW of operational Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSP) capacity across 10 projects as of August 2026.

About Pumped Storage Hydropower   

• It is a type of hydroelectric energy storage.
• PSH is a fundamentally simple system that consists of two water reservoirsat different elevations.
• PSPs are classified according to how their reservoirs are connected to, or situated in relation to, natural watercourses.
• Types: They are grouped into three types: on-stream, off-stream open-loop and off-stream closed-loop schemes.
• On-stream Pumped Storage
  • Location: These 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
  • Location: These 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
  • Location: 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.

Source: PIB

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