New Delhi: THDC India Limited (THDCIL) has successfully commenced the Commercial Operation Declaration (COD) process of the first 250 MW unit of the landmark 1000 MW Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant (PSP) at Tehri, Uttarakhand on Wednesday.
The COD commencement ceremony has been virtually graced by the Union Minister for Power Manohar Lal Khattar, senior officials from the Ministry of Power and power sector PSUs, including Secretary (Power) Pankaj Agarwal (IAS), Additional Secretary (Power) Akash Tripathi (IAS), NTPC CMD Gurdeep Singh, and THDCIL CMD RK Vishnoi, were present at the occasion.
This commissioning marks a historic milestone in India’s energy transition, establishing the Tehri PSP as the largest Pumped Storage Plant by any Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) and the first Variable Speed PSP in the country.
The Minister lauded THDC by calling it a technological and strategic leap by the power PSU. “The successful operation of the first unit at Tehri is a bold stride toward India’s energy self-reliance. Variable speed technology enhances precision in power flow management, which is vital for grid stability and integrating renewable energy,” he said.
The Tehri Variable Speed PSP is designed to convert off-peak surplus energy into peaking power, thereby offering a robust solution for grid balancing. With this advancement, the total installed capacity of the Tehri Hydro Power Complex is expected to rise to 2,400 MW, making it the largest hydropower complex in India upon full commissioning.
Secretary (Power) termed the development “path-breaking,” adding that it will be crucial in supporting India’s clean energy goals and ensuring a flexible and reliable grid.
NTPC CMD lauded the accomplishment as a testament to the high-end engineering expertise of Indian PSUs in the hydropower domain. “It sets a powerful precedent for future PSP projects nationwide,” he noted.
THDC CMD expressed confidence that the project would redefine hydropower’s role in India’s energy mix. “This unit will provide critical peaking power and enhance round-the-clock power availability,” he said.
The Variable Speed PSP at Tehri has been equipped with advanced hydropower technology supplied by GE Vernova, with civil works executed by HCC. The solution allows for high operational flexibility and real-time grid support, significantly boosting the country’s capacity to absorb and manage intermittent renewable energy sources.
Senior officials from THDCIL, GE Vernova, HCC, and other key project stakeholders were also present during the occasion, marking a major step forward in India’s clean energy infrastructure development.
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