Exploring different types of pumped storage technologies in Indian context

Among the various Energy Storage Technologies, Pumped Storage Plants (PSP), in terms of total installed size, is by far the largest individual contributor with a total worldwide deployment of about 160 GW (almost >90%) and practically makes the entire storage capacity globally to deliver Renewable Energy (RE) Round-The-Clock (RTC) power thereby facilitating “Long Term Lowest Cost Renewable Energy Round-The-Clock Power”. PSP is one of the matured and proven technocommercially viable Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) solution. Hydro Pumped Energy Storage envisages two water reservoirs at different elevations that can generate power as water moves down from higher one to lower one, while passing through a turbine. PSP requires power to pump water back into the upper reservoir during recharge cycle. PSPs can be generally designed for daily storage of 4-10 Hours. Pumped storage hydro (PSH or PSP, used interchangeably) can effectively meet the grid-scale energy storage requirements owing to its long discharge period (6 hours and beyond) as solar PV increases creating sharp down and up-ramps in mornings and evenings, respectively. Long-duration storage capability, high degree of indigenization, technology maturity, and suitable topography presents a compelling case for India to implement PSP projects for meeting energy and ancillary services requirements of the Indian power system.