Tata Power and the Government of Maharashtra have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop two large pumped hydro storage projects (PSP) with a combined capacity of 2800 Megawatts (MW) in the state. These projects, with an estimated investment of approximately Rs. 13000 crore, will be situated at Shirawta, Pune (1800 MW) and Bhivpuri, Raigad (1000 MW) districts. The collaboration is poised to drive the state towards its ambitious goal of becoming a $1 Trillion economy by 2028 while concurrently generating employment for over 6,000 people.
These projects are set to support Maharashtra's and Country’s energy landscape, leveraging the kinetic energy of water to create a stable and reliable power supply. During times of excess energy, water will be pumped from lower reservoir to higher reservoir, and during peak demand, the stored water will power turbines, thereby generating electricity. This initiative will significantly enhance energy security by providing peaking and continuous power supply along with other renewables such as solar and wind. With the setting up of 2800 MW pumped hydro capacity, these projects will significantly contribute to cleaner capacity addition in the country.
The Western Ghats, with their natural topography and favourable geology, offer immense potential for Pumped Storage Hydro Projects. Tata Power's legacy in this region spans a century, operating three hydro power projects - Khopoli Hydro Generating Station, Bhivpuri Hydro Generating Station, and Bhira Hydro Generating Station that includes 150 MW Pumped Storage Hydro project. The clean and sustainable power generated from these projects has played an important role in the economic and commercial development of Mumbai and its surroundings, while the water released from these plants has been instrumental in the overall economic growth of the Raigad and Thane districts.
