Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu Announces New Pumped Storage Projects
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), September 24: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu has announced that the state government will venture into Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) to balance power supply from renewable sources like solar and wind energy.
New Projects Approved
The State Cabinet has approved the first two projects: the 1630 MW Renukaji Pump Storage Project in Sirmaur district and the 270 MW Thana Plaun Pump Storage Project in the Beas Basin of Mandi district. These projects will be managed by the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd. (HPPCL).
Why Pumped Storage Projects?
Chief Minister Sukhu explained that the hilly geography of Himachal Pradesh is ideal for PSPs, which help ensure grid stability by generating electricity during high-demand periods. In a PSP system, water is pumped to a higher elevation during off-peak hours and released through turbines to generate electricity when demand is high.
Project Details
Work on both projects is already underway. The Renukaji Hydro Power Project will have a capacity of 40 MW, and the Thana Plaun Hydro Electric Project will generate 191 MW. Separate turbines will be installed for the PSP system.
Future Plans
Under the Swaran Jayanti Policy, 2021, the state will prioritize PSP development. Proposals and Pre-Feasibility Reports will be invited every six months. The government aims to enhance revenue through hydro projects and make Himachal Pradesh a prosperous state.
Several organizations have identified potential PSPs in the state, including SJVNL, BBMB, NTPC Limited, the private sector, and HPPCL, with a combined capacity of thousands of megawatts.
Doubts Revealed
Himachal Pradesh -: Himachal Pradesh is a state in northern India, known for its beautiful mountains and valleys.
Chief Minister -: The Chief Minister is the head of the government in a state in India, similar to a principal in a school but for the whole state.
Sukhvinder Sukhu -: Sukhvinder Sukhu is the person who is currently the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh.
Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) -: Pumped Storage Projects are special power plants that store energy by moving water between two reservoirs at different heights. They help balance electricity supply when needed.
Renewable sources -: Renewable sources are natural sources of energy like sunlight, wind, and water that can be used again and again without running out.
State Cabinet -: The State Cabinet is a group of important people in the state government who make big decisions together.
1630 MW Renukaji -: 1630 MW Renukaji is a big project that will produce 1630 megawatts of electricity, which is a lot of power.
270 MW Thana Plaun -: 270 MW Thana Plaun is another project that will produce 270 megawatts of electricity.
Grid stability -: Grid stability means keeping the electricity supply steady and reliable so that everyone gets the power they need without interruptions.
Swaran Jayanti Policy, 2021 -: The Swaran Jayanti Policy, 2021 is a set of rules and plans made by the government to celebrate 50 years of something important and to improve things like energy projects.
Megawatts -: Megawatts (MW) are units used to measure a large amount of electricity. One megawatt can power many homes.
