The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has approved two new Pumped Hydro Storage Projects (PSPs) in Maharashtra with a total capacity of 2,500 MW.

The two projects are the 1,500 MW Bhavali PSP being developed by JSW Energy and the 1,000 MW Bhivpuri PSP by Tata Power.

Both projects are expected to be operational by 2028 and provide over 15 GWh of energy storage capacity.

The move aligns with the growing need for reliable storage solutions in an evolving energy landscape.

These approvals were secured with the support of the Central Water Commission (CWC), the Geological Survey of India (GSI), and the Central Soil and Materials Research Station (CSMRS).

The concurrence for both projects was completed within ten days of receiving the finalized Detailed Project Reports (DPR) through the CEA’s new portal.

This development will contribute significantly to grid stability by addressing peak demand during non-solar hours and facilitating faster integration of renewable energy sources.

To further bolster energy storage capacity, the CEA aims to approve at least two PSPs per month over the year, with a target of concurring 15 PSPs, totaling 25,500 MW, by 2025.

Four projects with a combined capacity of 5,100 MW have already been approved this year.

To streamline processes and promote ease of business, the CEA has launched an online portal, “Jalvi-store,” which enhances transparency and expedites the pre-DPR stages of PSP approvals.

The approval process for these projects has been significantly accelerated by eliminating certain procedural requirements and incorporating clear guidelines.

In March, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company issued a request for selection to procure 1,000 MW of energy storage capacity for 40 years from inter or intra-state connected pumped hydro storage projects on a demand basis.

Last year, NTPC Renewable Energy invited bids for developing pumped hydro energy storage projects of up to 2,000 MW capacity across India.