India’s first Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: SM
Context: India’s first Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant (PSP) at Tehri, Uttarakhand, has commenced commercial operation with a 250 MW unit.
About India’s first Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant:
• What is it?
• A 1,000 MW hydropower project designed to store energy by pumping water to an upper reservoir using surplus power, and releasing it to generate electricity when demand rises.
• A 1,000 MW hydropower project designed to store energy by pumping water to an upper reservoir using surplus power, and releasing it to generate electricity when demand rises.
• Executed by: THDC India Limited (THDCIL), under the Ministry of Power
• Technology Partner: GE Vernova (provided power electronics and 250 MW variable-speed unit)
• Location: Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand
• How the Tehri PSP Works?
• Pumping Phase: Surplus renewable energy (e.g., from solar or wind) is used to pump water from lower to upper reservoir. Energy Storage: The water in the upper reservoir stores potential energy like a “water battery”. Generation Phase: When electricity demand rises, water is released through turbines to generate power. Electricity Generation: Flowing water spins turbines, which activate generators to produce electricity. Variable Speed Operation: The plant can adjust turbine speed, allowing precise control of pumping and generation, improving efficiency and grid support. Grid Synchronization: The system maintains synchronization with grid frequency, ensuring stable power delivery.
• Pumping Phase: Surplus renewable energy (e.g., from solar or wind) is used to pump water from lower to upper reservoir.
• Energy Storage: The water in the upper reservoir stores potential energy like a “water battery”.
• Generation Phase: When electricity demand rises, water is released through turbines to generate power.
• Electricity Generation: Flowing water spins turbines, which activate generators to produce electricity.
• Variable Speed Operation: The plant can adjust turbine speed, allowing precise control of pumping and generation, improving efficiency and grid support.
• Grid Synchronization: The system maintains synchronization with grid frequency, ensuring stable power delivery.
• Key Features and Advantages: First Variable-Speed PSP in India: This is India’s first pumped storage project using variable-speed technology, marking a leap in hydropower innovation. 250 MW Initial Capacity: The project began with the commissioning of its first 250 MW unit, part of the larger 1,000 MW Tehri PSP. Enhanced Efficiency: Variable-speed turbines allow precise control over pumping and generation, enhancing overall system efficiency. Improved Grid Stability: It enables real-time power adjustments, supporting the stability of the grid amid renewable energy fluctuations. Flexible Operation: The plant can swiftly switch between pumping and generation, adapting to dynamic grid demands. Enables Energy Storage: Functions like a giant water battery, storing surplus energy for peak-hour power generation.
• First Variable-Speed PSP in India: This is India’s first pumped storage project using variable-speed technology, marking a leap in hydropower innovation.
• 250 MW Initial Capacity: The project began with the commissioning of its first 250 MW unit, part of the larger 1,000 MW Tehri PSP.
• Enhanced Efficiency: Variable-speed turbines allow precise control over pumping and generation, enhancing overall system efficiency.
• Improved Grid Stability: It enables real-time power adjustments, supporting the stability of the grid amid renewable energy fluctuations.
• Flexible Operation: The plant can swiftly switch between pumping and generation, adapting to dynamic grid demands.
• Enables Energy Storage: Functions like a giant water battery, storing surplus energy for peak-hour power generation.