India is gearing up for a massive expansion of pumped storage hydropower, with Greenko, Adani Green, and JSW Energy leading the charge. These three private players will together develop nearly two-thirds of the country’s projected 51.24 GW pumped storage capacity by 2032, as per new data from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). This marks a significant jump from the current installed capacity of under 5 GW.
Pumped storage—critical for managing the variability of solar and wind power—uses off-peak electricity to pump water to a higher reservoir, which is then released to generate power during peak hours. Combined with battery energy storage systems (BESS), these projects will be crucial in maintaining grid stability as renewable energy expands.
Over half of the upcoming capacity will be located in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, which together hold nearly 40% of India’s 176 GW pumped storage potential. Andhra Pradesh is expected to add 16 GW and Maharashtra 13 GW by 2032.
Greenko is set to build 13.2 GW (25% of the national total), with its flagship 1,680 MW Pinnapuram project in Andhra Pradesh coming online in September 2025. Adani Green will add 11.4 GW (22%), starting with its 500 MW Chitravathi project by 2027, while JSW Energy will develop 7.7 GW (15%).
Other significant projects to be commissioned this year include THDC’s 1,000 MW project in Tehri and TANGEDCO’s 375 MW project in Kundah. Though pumped storage projects typically take about five years due to extensive environmental and civil requirements, they are still the world’s most widely used energy storage solution, accounting for over 90% of installed global capacity.
India’s policy strategy supports both pumped storage and BESS to meet its long-term energy storage goals. While BESS offers speed and flexibility, it faces global supply chain risks. In contrast, pumped storage offers economic returns and long-term reliability, making it a vital component of India’s green energy future.
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