Syllabus
GS Paper 3 – Science and Technology; Environmental conservation; Environmental pollution and degradation; Environmental Impact Assessment
Context
Union Budget for 2024-25 includes a promise to introduce a policy for promoting pumped storage projects.
Source
The Hindu| Editorial dated 2nd August 2024
The relevance of pumped storage projects
The Union Budget for 2024-25 has introduced a significant policy aimed at promoting pumped storage projects. This initiative is crucial for electricity storage and the smooth integration of the increasing share of renewable energy, which is known for its variable and intermittent nature. As India strives to achieve its ambitious renewable energy goals, the importance of efficient and reliable energy storage solutions like pumped storage becomes paramount.
India’s Renewable Energy Goals
- India has set an ambitious target of achieving 500GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030.
- Between 2021 and 2023, India added 23GW of non-fossil generation capacity.
- In the fiscal year 2023-24, India added 10GW of new capacity, with 7.5GW coming from wind and solar energy.
- This highlights the significant role renewables will play in India’s future power generation.
Pumped Storage in India
A Pumped Storage Project (PSP) is a hydroelectric power system designed for large-scale energy storage. It operates by transferring water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir during times of low energy demand, then releasing it back through turbines to produce electricity when demand is high.
Working Principle
- Energy Storage: During periods of low electricity demand or surplus renewable energy, water is pumped from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir. This process stores energy.
- Energy Generation: When electricity demand is high, the stored water is released from the upper reservoir, flowing through turbines to generate electricity.
Types of Pumped Storage
- On-river: These projects are similar to traditional hydroelectric projects and are supplied by a river.
- Off-river: These projects use two reservoirs at different elevations. Water is pumped from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir when there is surplus power and allowed to flow back down to generate power when needed.
Example: Kadamparai, Tamil Nadu
- In Tamil Nadu, surplus power from renewable sources is used to pump water from a lower to an upper reservoir.
- When power demand increases, water flows down to generate electricity.
Current Capacity
- India currently has 3.3GW of pumped storage capacity, with major projects located in Nagarjunasagar, Kadana, Kadamparai, Panchet, and Bhira.
- In comparison, China leads the world with 50GW of pumped storage supporting its 1,300GW of wind and solar energy.
- To meet its renewable energy targets, India needs to significantly expand its pumped storage capacity.
Benefits of Pumped Storage
- Grid Stability: Helps balance the grid by storing excess energy and releasing it when needed.
- Renewable Energy Integration: Enables higher penetration of renewable energy sources.
- Peak Load Management: Provides a flexible and reliable source of power during peak demand periods.
- Environmental Benefits: Considered a clean and sustainable energy source, with minimal greenhouse gas emissions.
Challenges and Considerations
- High Initial Cost: Building and maintaining pumped storage projects can be expensive.
- Environmental Impact: Construction of reservoirs and tunnels can affect ecosystems and communities.
- Site Selection: Finding suitable locations with appropriate topography and water resources can be challenging.
Conclusion
Pumped storage projects play a crucial role in stabilizing the power grid and ensuring the efficient integration of renewable energy sources. As India pushes towards its ambitious renewable energy targets, expanding pumped storage capacity is essential. The Kadamparai plant in Tamil Nadu exemplifies the potential of pumped storage to balance power supply and demand, making it a vital component of India’s energy strategy.
Related PYQ
Write a note on India’s green energy corridor to alleviate the problems of conventional energy. [ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2013]
Practice Question
Discuss the significance of pumped storage projects in the context of India’s renewable energy goals?[150 words]