The Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation (APGENCO) has invited bids for the design, engineering, manufacturing, and commissioning of three 238/270MW and two 118/135 MW vertical Francis reversible pump turbines and synchronous motor-generator sets for the 950 MW Kamalapadu pumped storage project (PSP) in the Ananthapuramu district.

The last date to submit bids is March 13, 2026. Bids will be opened on April 6, 2026.

Bidders must submit an earnest money deposit (EMD) of ₹999.3 million (~$10.99 million).

The estimated value of the contract is ₹49.96 billion (~$549.45 million).

The successful bidder must furnish an amount equivalent 5% of the contract value as a performance bank guarantee.

The turbines and motor-generator sets must be installed within 42 months of the award of the contract.

The construction of the powerhouse (including civil and hydro-mechanical works), synchronization, and commissioning of the first three units, 400 KV GIS along with the pothead yard, should be completed within 38 months from the contract award and balance two units within four months thereafter, with an interval between units not exceeding two months.

The contractor should provide proof of either owned or leased required critical equipment, including its working condition, and keep it always functional and available during the contract period, including any extension, and for three months after completion and commissioning.

In 2024, APGENCO entered into a joint venture with NHPC to implement pumped-hydro storage projects and renewable energy initiatives. In the first phase, two pumped storage projects – Yaganti PSP (1 GW) and Rajupalem PSP (800 MW) — were identified for implementation.

India’s total installed PSP capacity is expected to reach approximately 87 GW by 2033-34, according to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). The average annual capacity addition is projected to be 9 GW, resulting in total installed capacity exceeding 100 GW by 2035-36.

The CEA has advocated flexible generation assets that can efficiently and economically supply base load and peak power to address India’s evolving energy needs.