Rishikesh: THDC India Limited (THDCIL), a premier public sector undertaking in the energy sector, has officially commenced the Commercial Operation Date (COD) process for the second unit (250 MW) of the 1000 MW Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant (PSP) located in Tehri, Uttarakhand. This milestone marks a pivotal step in India’s renewable energy journey, reinforcing the nation’s leadership in clean hydropower technology and grid stability.
This milestone marks a significant step forward in India’s hydropower capabilities. The Tehri PSP is not only the country’s first variable-speed pumped storage facility but also the largest of its kind developed by any Central Public Sector Enterprise. Following the successful commissioning of the first unit in June 2025, the initiation of the second unit’s COD process further cements THDCIL’s position as a pioneer in delivering advanced, grid-responsive clean energy infrastructure.
High-Level Dignitaries Inaugurate the COD Process
The COD process of the second unit was officially inaugurated by Pankaj Agarwal (IAS), Secretary, Ministry of Power, Government of India, via virtual mode. The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries including Akash Tripathy (IAS), Additional Secretary, Ministry of Power; Mohammad Afzal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Power; Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC; R. K. Vishnoi, CMD, THDCIL; and other senior officials from THDCIL.
In his address, Pankaj Agarwal congratulated the entire THDCIL team and project partners on this remarkable achievement. He emphasized the Ministry of Power’s pride in THDCIL’s dedication and technical excellence, highlighting the challenging conditions under which this pioneering project has been executed.
THDCIL and NTPC Leadership Applaud the Milestone
Gurdeep Singh, CMD of NTPC, lauded THDCIL for consistently advancing the project, noting the successful COD of the first unit on June 4 followed by the commencement of the second unit on July 4 as a testament to the team’s commitment and technical prowess.
R.K. Vishnoi, Chairman and Managing Director of THDCIL, expressed his appreciation to all team members and executing agencies. He noted that the Tehri PSP, with its four reversible units of 250 MW each, will provide 1000 MW of clean, peaking power crucial for grid stability and system reliability. Upon full commissioning, the Tehri Hydro Power Complex will generate 2400 MW, making it the largest hydropower complex in India. This achievement underscores THDCIL’s role in advancing India’s energy independence and sustainability goals.
Technical Excellence and Future Outlook
Shallinder Singh, Director (Personnel), praised the collective effort of the Tehri PSP team, highlighting the project’s role in balancing intermittent renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Bhupender Gupta, Director (Technical), reiterated the importance of this achievement, reflecting THDCIL’s commitment to sustainable energy infrastructure aligned with India’s net-zero commitments.
Sipan Kumar Garg, Director (Finance), highlighted the financial prudence and operational flexibility the Tehri PSP brings to India’s energy grid, acknowledging the state-of-the-art variable-speed turbines, generators, and digital control systems supplied by GE Vernova.
Stakeholders and Project Consortium
Also present at the event were L.P. Joshi, Executive Director (Tehri Complex), Neeraj Verma, Executive Director (I/C NCR), along with senior officials of THDCIL and representatives from project partners including GE Vernova and HCC.
THDC India Limited is jointly owned by NTPC Limited and the Government of Uttar Pradesh, underscoring strong institutional support for this transformative project.
About Tehri Pumped Storage Plant
The 1000 MW Tehri PSP consists of four 250 MW reversible units designed to provide rapid response peaking power to India’s grid. This facility supports grid stability, complements intermittent renewable generation, and enhances energy security.
About THDCIL
THDCIL is a leading power sector Public Sector Enterprise (PSE) and a consistently profitable company. It was established in July 1988 as a public limited company under the Companies Act, 1956, to develop, operate, and maintain the Tehri Hydro Power Complex. THDCIL is now a subsidiary of NTPC Limited, with NTPC holding a 74.496% stake and the Government of Uttar Pradesh holding the remaining 25.504%, according to THDCIL’s website.
