Tehri: In a landmark achievement for India’s renewable energy sector, THDC India Limited (THDCIL) has successfully synchronized the first 250 MW unit of the country’s first 1000 MW Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant (PSP) at Tehri in pump condenser mode with the national grid.
The synchronization, which took place on April 23, 2025, marks a historic step in India’s efforts to develop a flexible and resilient energy infrastructure. During the trial run, the unit demonstrated stable performance, drawing approximately 4 MW of power and 13.6 Mvar for about 10 minutes, validating its operational readiness.
Key Highlights
- Project: Tehri Pumped Storage Plant (PSP), Uttarakhand
- Total Capacity: 1000 MW (4 units of 250 MW each)
- Technology: Variable Speed Reversible Units
- First Unit Synchronized: April 23, 2025
- Target for Full Commissioning: September 2025
- Expected Annual Generation: 2442 million units
- Pumping Energy Requirement: 3075 million units
Upcoming Commissioning Schedule
- Unit 1: May 2025
- Unit 2: June 2025
- Units 3 & 4: September 2025
Strategic Significance
The Tehri PSP is engineered to deliver critical peaking power support and strengthen the stability of the Northern Grid. It utilizes surplus off-peak energy to meet high-demand periods, thereby enhancing grid reliability. This water recycling-based system transfers water between the Tehri Dam and Koteshwar Dam, providing dynamic load balancing between thermal and renewable energy sources.
The plant features an underground machine hall located on the left bank of the Bhagirathi River. With a head variation of 90 meters, the units can operate efficiently under a wide range of conditions.
Leadership Perspective
R. K. Vishnoi, Chairman and Managing Director of THDCIL, commented, “This milestone reflects THDCIL’s unwavering commitment to strengthening India’s renewable energy infrastructure. The Tehri PSP will serve as a cornerstone in the country’s journey towards a greener, more sustainable energy future.”
Upon full commissioning, the Tehri Hydro Power Complex will boast a total installed capacity of 2400 MW, positioning it as one of the largest peaking power stations in India.
