THDC Operationalizes 250 MW Tehri Pumped Storage Unit

THDC India Limited (THDCIL), has announced the successful commencement of the COD process of the 1st Unit (250 MW) of the 1000 MW Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant (PSP) at Tehri, Uttarakhand. This makes Tehri PSP one of the largest Pumped Storage Plants by any Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) and the first Variable Speed PSP in the country. The commencement was virtually started by Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power, Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India.

Designed to provide flexible peaking power and critical grid balancing support, the Tehri Variable Speed PSP represents a significant leap forward in India’s ability to manage intermittent renewable energy. The power electronics and controls, along with the 250 MW variable-speed pumped storage hydropower unit, have been supplied by GE Vernova.

Leadership View

Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power, Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, while addressing the gathering stated that the successful operation of 1st unit of India’s first Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant at Tehri is not just a technological achievement by THDCIL, but a bold stride towards India’s energy self-reliance.

“The project can significantly strengthen grid stability and support the integration of renewable energy. Variable speed technology allows us to manage power flow with precision, making our energy ecosystem smarter and more flexible”.

Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, lauded the commissioning milestone, stating that the Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant at Tehri is a path-breaking development that significantly strengthens our Grid flexibility. It plays a pivotal role in our mission to integrate increasing amounts of renewable energy and transition towards a cleaner, more reliable energy ecosystem.”

R.K. Vishnoi, CMD, THDCIL, conveyed his heartfelt congratulations on this significant achievement and stated that once fully operational, this Project will elevate the Tehri Hydro Power Complex’s capacity to 2,400 MW, making it India’s largest Hydropower Complex. This project will be instrumental in converting off-peak surplus energy into peaking power, enhancing grid resilience, and supporting round-the-clock power availability. Also present at the occasion were L.P. Joshi, Executive Director (Tehri Complex), THDCIL, along with senior officials from THDCIL and representatives from the project consortium comprising GE Vernova, HCC, and other key stakeholders from the power sector.