Government Outlines Strategic Roadmap for Pumped Storage Projects to Meet Growing Grid Energy Storage Demands
Distilled Policy Brief
- Pumped Storage Projects act as large-scale long-duration 'water batteries' and are classified based on stream connectivity into On-stream, Off-stream Open-loop, and Off-stream Closed-loop configurations.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
By FY 2031–32, CEA estimates a total energy storage requirement of 73.93 GW (26.69 GW PSP and 47.24 GW BESS) to balance grid intermittency.
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Examine how Pumped Storage Projects (PSP) complement Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in ensuring grid stability and achieving India's target of 500 GW non-fossil power capacity by 2030.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
With reference to Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) and energy storage in India, consider the following statements: 1. PSPs operate by pumping water to an upper reservoir during periods of surplus power and releasing it through turbines during peak electricity demand. 2. According to Central Electricity Authority (CEA) projections for FY 2031–32, the required capacity of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) is higher than that of Pumped Storage Projects. 3. Based on stream connectivity, PSPs are classified into On-stream, Off-stream Open-loop, and Off-stream Closed-loop configurations. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- [A] 1 and 2 only
- [B] 2 and 3 only
- [C] 1 and 3 only
- [D] 1, 2 and 3
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
All three statements are correct. Statement 1 accurately describes the working principle of PSPs acting as 'water batteries' to balance grid supply and demand. Statement 2 is correct as the CEA projects a required storage capacity of 73.93 GW by FY 2031–32, comprising 47.24 GW from BESS and 26.69 GW from PSPs. Statement 3 is correct as PSPs are categorized based on stream connectivity into On-stream, Off-stream Open-loop, and Off-stream Closed-loop configurations.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.