New Delhi/Tehri: Union Minister of Power Manohar Lal on Tuesday virtually commenced the Commercial Operation Date (COD) of the 250 MW third unit of the 1,000 MW Tehri Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant (PSP) in Uttarakhand, marking a major milestone in India’s clean energy journey.
The project is being developed by THDC India Limited (THDCIL) and has now emerged as the largest variable speed pumped storage project of its kind by a Central Public Sector Enterprise. With the commissioning of the third unit, the Tehri PSP significantly strengthens India’s capacity for grid balancing and renewable energy integration.
Addressing the virtual inauguration from New Delhi, Minister Manohar Lal said the project represents a historic achievement for the country.
“Today, I officially commenced the COD process of the 3rd Unit (250 MW) of the 1,000 MW Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant at Tehri, Uttarakhand. This landmark achievement marks India’s first Variable Speed PSP and strengthens our clean energy transition, supporting the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047,” he said.
Emphasizing the strategic importance of pumped storage projects, the Power Minister noted that PSPs play a critical role in ensuring reliable power supply and grid stability, particularly as India rapidly expands its renewable energy capacity.
Minister of State for Power Shripad Y Naik lauded THDCIL’s leadership in the pumped storage sector and highlighted its growing contribution to India’s long-term energy security. Meanwhile, Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal congratulated THDCIL for commissioning multiple major power projects during the year, calling it a strong indicator of execution excellence.
The Tehri Variable Speed PSP has set new benchmarks in advanced variable-speed technology and high round-trip efficiency, making it a flagship project in India’s hydropower and energy storage landscape. The development is expected to significantly enhance the flexibility of the national grid and support deeper penetration of solar and wind power.
The event was attended by several senior officials, including Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Gurdeep Singh, CMD of NTPC, and Sipan Kumar Garg, CMD of THDCIL, along with other dignitaries.
With this commissioning, the Tehri PSP further cements India’s position as an emerging global leader in advanced hydropower and clean energy storage solutions, reinforcing the country’s commitment to sustainability and energy transition.