When will pumped storage arrive? Kerala’s 11530 MW power plan faces 3-year delay

Thiruvananthapuram: Hydroelectric pumped storage projects, considered ideal for mitigating Kerala’s nighttime electricity deficit, face prolonged delays. Although discussions commenced in 2022, progress has been made on only two initiatives so far.

A total potential capacity of 11,530 MW has been identified across the state, with the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) identifying 14 projects capable of generating 6,580 MW, and the Energy Management Centre (EMC) proposing 10 projects amounting to 4,950 MW. However, the majority of these proposals remain stuck at the preliminary feasibility study stage.

In June, KSEB signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Consultancy Services to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a 1,000 MW pumped storage plant in Kakkayam. The consultancy has been given a three-year timeframe to draft the report, secure necessary approvals and identify contractors. Consequently, construction on the ₹7,000-crore Kakkayam project is slated to commence only in 2029, with completion expected to take another five years.

Meanwhile, the state government has granted in-principle approval for the Muthirapuzha (100 MW) and Manjappara (30 MW) schemes. However, KSEB has assessed Manjappara to be unviable. KSEB engineers are currently preparing the detailed report for the Muthirapuzha project internally.

Pumped storage systems operate by storing water discharged from dams in lower reservoirs and pumping it back up to the main reservoir using cheap daytime solar power. This stored water is then released to generate hydroelectricity during peak nighttime hours, offering a cost-effective solution to the evening power deficit.

In 2023, the Tehri Hydro Power Development Corporation of India Limited (THDCIL) proposed a joint venture with KSEB to set up pumped storage plants in Kerala. However, the initiative stalled after KSEB deemed the proposed terms impractical. While national efforts to establish pumped storage systems began as early as 2008 with states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Uttarakhand already implementing operational plants, Kerala only revived discussions in 2022.

Energy Management Centre awaits Govt policy

The Energy Management Centre (EMC), operating under the Power Department, has completed feasibility studies for five projects with a combined capacity of 3,120 MW. Central Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), including the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), have expressed interest in executing these projects. However, execution remains on hold as the Kerala government has yet to formalise its policy on private and central sector participation in pumped storage initiatives. A draft policy prepared towards the end of the previous government's tenure is still pending finalisation.

Feasibility studies conducted by the EMC have been completed for the 720 MW project at Ilaveezhapoonchira, the 600 MW unit at Pothundy, the 500 MW facility at Mankulam, the 500 MW venture at Parappanpara and the 800 MW plant at Chulliyar.

Projects identified by KSEB

• Kakkayam (1,000 MW)
• Amrita Pamba (1,000 MW)
• Pozhuthana (1,000 MW)
• Idukki (700 MW)
• Pallivasal (600 MW)
• Karintharuvi–Uppukulam (450 MW)
• Poringalkuthu (400 MW)
• Maha Lechmi (400 MW)
• Lower Periyar / Paambla Right Bank (400 MW)
• Upper Chaliyar (360 MW)
• Idamalayar (180 MW)
• Marayoor (160 MW)
• Muthirapuzha (100 MW)
• Manjappara (30 MW)