As part of India’s Clean Energy Investment Drive at Davos, the country has outlined a major strategy to support its rapidly expanding renewable energy sector. The plan charts a roadmap to develop 100 gigawatts (GW) of hydro pumped storage capacity by 2047, aimed at stabilising the power grid as solar and wind power continue to scale across the country.

Why Hydro Pumped Storage Matters

Hydro pumped storage plays a crucial role in balancing electricity supply and demand. It works by using excess power to pump water to a higher reservoir when generation is high, and then releasing it to generate electricity during peak demand. This makes it a cost-effective long-duration storage option, especially as intermittent sources like solar and wind become dominant.

Unlike battery systems, pumped storage can provide 8-10 hours of energy storage at lower lifecycle costs, helping to ensure grid reliability as renewable capacity surpasses 500 GW by 2030.

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The Roadmap and Investment Plan

According to the roadmap prepared by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA):

• Target Capacity: India aims to develop 100 GW of hydro pumped storage by 2047, as part of its larger clean energy transformation.

• Site Potential: Over 120 potential pumped storage sites have been identified with total potential exceeding 180 GW, offering flexibility for phased development.

• Current Progress: Around 22 GW of pumped storage projects are already at various stages of development, with another 50-60 GW shortlisted for rollout by 2032-37.

• Investment Needs: Cumulative investments are estimated at ₹5-6 lakh crore (roughly $77 billion) to build the targeted 100 GW capacity, with public-private partnerships and market-based procurement expected to improve financing and project bankability.

States such as Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu are set to be early anchors of pumped storage expansion, using existing reservoirs and closed-loop systems to reduce social and environmental impacts.

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Supporting a Renewable-Heavy Grid

India’s push for 100 GW of pumped storage is not just about adding capacity; it is about grid stability and reliability:

• Peak Demand: With peak power demand expected to reach over 450 GW by 2047, large-scale storage is essential to manage fluctuations and avoid grid constraints.

• Integration: Storage will be treated on par with generation capacity in long-term procurement planning, emphasising the importance of pumped storage in future energy systems.

• Policy Support: Experts have called for faster clearances, standardised tariffs, and priority transmission connectivity to prevent bottlenecks that have historically slowed large hydro project deployments.

This roadmap underscores how India’s Clean Energy Investment Drive at Davos is designed to bridge the gap between variable renewable generation and dependable electricity supply, a key step toward energy security, cost efficiency, and climate goals.

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