Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has granted in-principal approval for 1200 megawatt pumped storage power plant project of THDC India in the Robertsganj tehsil of Sonebhadra district. The estimated cost of the project is ₹6600 crore. The project is expected to generate electricity for 6 hours and 36 minutes each day.
As per details provided by THDC India, it is an off-stream closed-loop pump storage project. The project requires 300.55 hectares of land. For the operation of the project, an initial filling of the reservoir will require 15.031 million cubic meters (MCM) of water annually and 1.7112 MCM due to loss caused by evaporation. The source of water supply will be the Son River.
Chief Secretary and Infrastructure & Industrial Development Commissioner, Manoj Kumar Singh said,“This project marks a significant step towards enhancing the power infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh and reinforces the state’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions. The involvement of THDC India, a prominent player in the energy sector, ensures the successful execution and operation of this ambitious project.”
Invest UP has been designated as the nodal agency for granting in-principal approval to pumped storage power (PSP) projects in Uttar Pradesh. Under the chairmanship of IIDC, a committee has been formed with the CEO of Invest UP as the member secretary. This committee includes representatives from the Energy Department, Uttar Pradesh New & Renewable Energy Development Agency, Irrigation Department, forest dept, Revenue departments, and the Central Water Commission. The District Magistrate and Divisional Commissioner of the project’s proposed location attend the committee meetings as special invitees. Project proponents submit their proposals to Invest UP, which are then presented to the committee for review. Project proponent also gives a detailed presentation of their projects in front of the committee, on the basis of which in principal approval accorded to a project by the committee.
The state government will facilitate the allocation of necessary water from the Son River and streamline the provisions for refilling. Discharge permissions will be granted only during the flood period and will require approval from the irrigation departments of both the state and central government.
The development of the project will be subject to the provisions of the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Power, Government of India, to promote the development of pumped storage. Known as “water batteries,” PSP projects are poised to become pillars of sustainable green energy infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh. The state government supports these projects under the IIEPP Policy 2022, offering a 30% capital subsidy and a 100% stamp duty exemption.
Till now, Uttar Pradesh government has accorded In-principal approval for 10 PSP plants. Out of these, 8 will be in Sonbhadra, with one each in Chandauli and Mirzapur districts. The plants in Sonbhadra are expected to collectively generate 14,450 MW of electricity, while the plants in Mirzapur and Chandauli will produce 900 MW and 600 MW, respectively. To explore further potential for PSP projects in the state, Invest UP has invited bids for a consultancy study. The study will assess future possibilities, especially in regions with natural gradients such as Chitrakoot, Jhansi, Varanasi, and Vindhyachal.
As an Industry Partner, Manish Agarwal, Vice President, Laghu Udyog Bharti said that it is indeed a step in the right direction and these efforts will go a long way in making the state energy sufficient.
