The wind speed doubles. A normal blade would generate 8× more power. The generator would burn out in seconds. So what actually happens?

 

The wind speed doubles.

A normal blade would generate 8× more power.

The generator would burn out in seconds.

So what actually happens?

The blades pitch themselves:

• 0–12 m/s: blades at optimal angle → power increases

• At 12 m/s: RATED POWER reached → blades rotate

• 12–25 m/s: blades pitch continuously to limit power

• Each blade moves INDEPENDENTLY at 0.1°/second precision

• At 25 m/s: blades feather to 90° → turbine stops

The entire blade — 60+ metres long — rotating

on its own axis to spill the excess wind.

Zero mechanical brakes used in normal operation.

Pure aerodynamic pitch control.

Geothermal power: Drill 2–4 km into hot fractured rock Hot water (150–350°C) rises up production well Flash separator: high-pressure water → steam Steam drives turbine → generator → electricity Cooled water reinjected → replenishes reservoir

 

The Earth's core is 5,500°C.

And we're drilling into it
to generate electricity. Forever.

Geothermal power:
Drill 2–4 km into hot fractured rock
Hot water (150–350°C) rises up production well
Flash separator: high-pressure water → steam
Steam drives turbine → generator → electricity
Cooled water reinjected → replenishes reservoir

And it never stops:
No fuel cost
No weather dependence (unlike solar/wind)
24/7 baseload power
Near-zero CO₂ emissions
Iceland generates 30% of electricity this way

Binary cycle plants work at even lower temperatures —
using isobutane instead of steam — opening most of the world to geothermal.

The oldest energy source on Earth.
We're only just learning to use it properly.

WORK AT HEIGHT – STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP

 

WORK AT HEIGHT – STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP)

Working at height is a high-risk activity that requires proper planning, approved equipment, competent supervision, and strict compliance with safety procedures.

Key Safety Requirements:
Conduct Risk Assessment (JSA/HIRA) before starting work.
Obtain an approved Work at Height Permit.
Inspect scaffolding and ensure a valid inspection tag is displayed.
Wear a full body harness and connect it to a suitable anchorage point.
Maintain 100% tie-off wherever required by the approved procedure.
Provide proper guardrails, midrails, and toe boards.
Secure tools and materials to prevent falling objects.
Barricade the area below the work location.
Ensure a suitable emergency rescue plan is available.
Stop work during unsafe weather or when unsafe conditions arise.

Never work at height without proper fall protection, safe access, and required authorization.

Remember: No job is so urgent that it cannot be done safely. Every worker deserves to return home safely.

PLAN SAFE | PREPARE SAFE | WORK SAFE | RETURN SAFE

 

PARLIAMENT QUESTION: KEY LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Posted On: 05 FEB 2026 3:31PM by PIB Delhi

The key laws enacted for environmental protection other than that dealing with Forest, Wildlife and Biodiversity in the country are as follows:

(i) The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 & Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024

(ii)   The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981

(iii) The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and,

(iv)  The Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act 2021.

To strengthen the implementation of environmental protection laws and cleanliness regulations in the country, different rules and regulations are notified under the above said laws and various schemes are being implemented in coordination with State Governments, Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats.

To implement various programmes and schemes, and enforce the legal framework, the Central Pollution Control Board, State Environment Departments, State level Environment Impact Assessment Authorities, State Pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control Committees and local bodies have been enabled with administrative and executive powers under the legal framework.

There is an inbuilt mechanism in the law that Central Pollution Control Boards and all State Pollution Control Boards are mandated to submit an annual report before concerned Government and the concerned Government shall cause every report before the Parliament or State Legislature as the case may be.

Environmental Clearance (EC) from MoEFCC (Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change)/ SEIAA (State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority) and consent from the respective State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) are mandated for those projects which have an impact on pollution load.

In addition, periodic compliance reports are regularly submitted to the competent authorities and inspections are undertaken by officials of MoEFCC and the concerned SPCBs. Third party environmental clearance compliance audits of opencast coal mines are being undertaken at specified intervals by engaging reputed agencies like National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), IIT-ISM etc., in compliance to the conditions of Environmental Clearances.

To further strengthen the environmental compliance framework for projects operating under various environmental laws, including for coal mines, the Government has notified the Environment Audit Rules, 2025. The Rules establish a structured mechanism for systematic environment audit through Registered Environment Auditors to verify compliance with environmental safeguards, examine emissions and waste management systems, and report violations. This audit mechanism supplements the existing monitoring carried out by the Central and State Pollution Control Boards.

State Pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control Committees, through Consent mechanism, monitor the establishment and operation of industries and polluting activities through prescription of pollution control measures and monitoring the compliance of environmental standards.

In case of Projects/Activities covered under the Schedule to the EIA Notification, 2006, as amended, environmental impacts are appraised and environmental management plans are prepared incorporating pollution control, prevention and abatement measures while granting prior environmental clearance so as to put in place appropriate environmental safeguards.

Central Government has been conferred powers under Section 5 of The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to issue directions in writing to any person, officer or any authority for performing its functions, which includes closure, prohibition or regulation of any industry, operation or process; or stoppage or regulation of the supply of electricity or water or any other service.

Section 18 of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Section 18 of The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, empowers Central Government to issue directions to the Central Pollution Control Board for performing its functions and further, Central Pollution Control Board or the State Government to issue directions to State Pollution Control Board.

Further, Section 31 A of the Air Act, 1981 and Section 33 A of the Water Act, 1974 provide powers to State Pollution Control Boards to issue directions to any person or authority for performing its functions, which include directions for closure, prohibition or regulation of any industry, operation or process, stoppage or regulation of supply of electricity, water and any other service.

The E(P) Act, 1986, the Air Act, 1981 and the Water Act 1974 provide for imposing a penalty of not less than ten lakh rupees and which may extend up to fifteen lakh rupees for contravention of provisions of the respective Acts, rules, orders and directions issued under respective Act.

Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026 have provided various responsibilities to local bodies inter-alia include prepare solid waste action plans, arrange for door to door collection of solid waste, collection, segregation, transportation and processing of the solid waste in an environmentally sound manner, set up infrastructure for solid waste management, generation of extended bulk waste generator responsibility certificate,frame bye-laws for incorporating the provisions of Solid Waste Management Rules, register with State Pollution Control Board and filing Annual Returns, etc.

Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, 2016 mandate local bodies to setup infrastructure for segregation, collection, storage, transportation, processing and disposal of plastic waste either by its own or by engaging agencies.

Under Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, local bodies have been mandated to hand over collected Waste Battery to the producers or agencies acting on their behalf or the entity engaged in refurbishment or recycling with a view to refurbishment or recycling of those Waste Battery.

Under Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016, local bodies have been mandated to have tie up with the common bio-medical waste treatment and disposal facility to pick up bio- medical waste collected from the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) or from the house hold directly, for disposal of bio-medical waste in environmentally sound manner.

Under Environment (Construction and Demolition) Waste Management Rules, 2025, local bodies have been mandated to implement the rules in regards to collection, handling and processing of the C & D and monitoring the compliance of Extended Producer Responsibility targets by construction agencies/producers and imposing Environmental Compensation for non-compliance.

Under e-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022,  local bodies have been mandated to segregate e-waste if mixed with Solid Waste, collect and channelize the e-waste to register recycler or refurbishers, facilitate setting up e-waste collection, segregation and disposal systems and conduct trainings to develop capacities of urban and rural local bodies.

Under Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025, local bodies have been mandated to furnish the list of suspected contaminated sites to the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), periodically.

These rules provide for effective enforcement, monitoring and review mechanism through furnishing of periodic reports/returns by various agencies, functioning of unified online portals, periodic meetings of committees constituted under the rules at State or Central Level, and publishing annual reports by CPCB or SPCB.

This information was provided by UNION MINISTER OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE, SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH, in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

As clean energy reshapes India's power landscape, a timeless technology is paving the way for a powerful new energy future. Often described as a water battery, pumped storage uses water and gravity to store electricity, bridging the gap between when power is generated and when it is needed. From reservoirs to modern grids, it is helping shape a cleaner, more reliable and resilient energy future.

 

PIB Backgrounder

Pumped Storage Hydropower

Powering India's Clean Energy Transition

Posted On: 19 OCT 2026 11:02AM by PIB Delhi

As clean energy reshapes India's power landscape, a timeless technology is paving the way for a powerful new energy future. Often described as a water battery, pumped storage uses water and gravity to store electricity, bridging the gap between when power is generated and when it is needed. From reservoirs to modern grids, it is helping shape a cleaner, more reliable and resilient energy future.

 

Building India's Energy Future with Storage

India’s energy transition is increasingly anchored in renewable energy to strengthen energy security and sustainability. The country is rapidly expanding solar and wind capacity to meet rising electricity demand with cleaner sources. As of July 2026, India has crossed 300 GW of installed non-fossil fuel-based electricity generation capacity. During FY 2025–26, India added around 55.29 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity. India has also set a target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. Solar and wind energy are going to make major contributions towards achieving this target.

However, renewable energy generation varies with sunlight, weather and daily demand patterns. This variability creates a growing need to store electricity when renewable generation exceeds demand. Energy storage can then supply electricity during periods of low renewable generation or peak demand.

As renewable capacity expands, the requirement for energy storage would also increase rapidly. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) projects 73.93 GW of storage capacity by 2031–32. This includes 26.69 GW from Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) and 47.24 GW from Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

PSPs can play a crucial role in meeting this long-duration storage requirement. PSPs store electricity by pumping water to an upper reservoir during periods of surplus generation. The stored water is released through turbines when electricity demand rises. This enables PSPs to shift renewable electricity across time and support grid stability. They also provide long-duration storage and peaking support, making them important for integrating large renewable capacities.

 

Types of Energy Storage Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) offer complementary solutions for integrating renewable energy into the grid. BESS can respond rapidly to short-duration requirements, supporting frequency regulation, peak management and grid balancing. PSPs provide long-duration storage, shifting large quantities of electricity across periods of surplus and demand. BESS can be deployed relatively quickly and close to renewable generation or consumption centres. PSPs require suitable geographical conditions but can provide large-scale storage over extended periods. Their long operating life also supports sustained grid infrastructure needs.

 

Understanding PSPs: Cycle of Energy Storage and Supply

A Pumped Storage Project typically consists of two reservoirs located at different elevations. During periods of surplus electricity, water is pumped from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir, where energy is stored as potential energy. When electricity is required, water is released from the upper reservoir through turbines to generate electricity. Once demand subsides, water is pumped back to the upper reservoir during periods of surplus electricity, completing the storage cycle. Pumped Storage Projects therefore function as large-scale energy storage systems and contribute to grid stability and renewable energy integration.

Categorising Pumped Storage Power Plants

PSPs are classified according to how their reservoirs are connected to, or situated in relation to, natural watercourses. They are grouped into three types: on-stream, off-stream open-loop and off-stream closed-loop schemes. These configurations reflect the varying association between a project’s reservoirs and natural watercourses.

On-stream Pumped Storage

On-stream pumped storage schemes have both reservoirs located on a river, stream or nallah. To meet the electricity demands, water stored in the upper reservoir flows through turbines to generate electricity. During periods of low electricity demand or surplus power, water is pumped back to the upper reservoir for reuse.

Off-stream Open-loop Pumped Storage

Off-stream open-loop pumped storage schemes have one reservoir located on a river, stream or nallah. In contrast, the other reservoir is not located on a river, a perennial stream, or a perennial nallah. When electricity is required, water flows from the upper reservoir through turbines to produce electricity. Surplus electricity is subsequently used to pump the water back, restoring the system for another cycle.

Off-stream Closed-loop Pumped Storage

Neither reservoir in an off-stream closed-loop pumped storage scheme is located on a river, perennial stream or perennial nallah. Both reservoirs are situated away from perennial natural watercourses. When electricity is required, water flows from the upper reservoir through turbines that generate power, and is then pumped back to the upper reservoir during periods of low electricity demand or surplus power.

All three types of Pumped Storage Projects have a role based on site-specific geographical and technical conditions. However, efforts are being made to identify more off-stream projects located away from rivers, supporting faster project execution and minimising impacts on aquatic ecology and the surrounding environment.

Scaling Up Energy Storage: India's Pumped Storage Momentum

 

India is rapidly expanding its pumped storage capacity to support its growing renewable energy base. The development is progressing across operational, construction and pre-construction stages. This expanding pipeline is strengthening India’s long-duration energy storage infrastructure.

• Operational Capacity: As of August 2026, India has 7.43 GW of operational PSP capacity across 10 projects. The projects have installed capacity above 25 MW.
• Under Construction/ implementation Stage: A further 15.87 GW across 11 PSPs is under construction and/or under implementation across the country.
• Next Stage of Pipeline: 10.40 GW across 8 projects has been concurred or appraised by the Central Electricity Authority.

India's Regionally Diverse Pumped Storage Potential

 

India has identified 320 pumped storage projects with a combined potential of 345.38 GW. This includes 62 on-stream projects with 56.67 GW and 258 off-stream projects with 288.71 GW. These projects span all five regions and include different stages of development, including projects already in operation.

PSP development and site suitability require assessment of several technical and environmental aspects. These include topography, geology, hydrology, reservoir characteristics, foundation conditions, seismicity and environmental considerations. Construction materials, power potential and transmission connectivity are also examined during project appraisal. The Western Region has the highest identified potential at 129.72 GW. CEA attributes this mainly to topographical features and steep gradients of rivers originating from the Western Ghats. Maharashtra accounts for 67.36 GW, followed by Gujarat with 33.36 GW.

The Southern Region has 97.76 GW, led by Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu. The Eastern Region has 53.41 GW, including 41.53 GW in Odisha. The Northern Region has 50.32 GW, led by Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. The North Eastern Region contributes 14.18 GW to the identified national potential. Collectively, these regional resources underline the scale and spread of India’s pumped storage opportunity.

Projected Capacity Addition of Pumped Storage Projects

 

This extensive resource base provides a strong foundation for scaling long-duration energy storage. The Central Electricity Authority has therefore mapped a substantial capacity addition pathway through 2035–36. Projects totalling 100.81 GW are envisaged for commissioning by 2035–36. This includes projects already under construction and would take cumulative PSP capacity to 105.56 GW. The planned expansion can significantly strengthen grid flexibility and enable greater integration of renewable energy. It also positions pumped storage as an important pillar of India’s future electricity system.

Year	Addition (GW)	Cumulative (GW)
Up to 2024-25	–	4.745
2025-26	2.68	7.425
2026-27	2.92	10.345
2027-28	1.6	11.945
2028-29	6.35	18.295
2029-30	13.5	31.795
2030-31	21.19	52.985
2031-32	8.8	61.785
2032-33	14.59	76.375
2033-34	11.88	88.255
2034-35	5.7	93.955
2035-36	11.6	105.555
Total	100.81

Global Installed Capacity PSPs Pumped Storage Hydropower Is the world's most widely deployed form of large-scale energy storage, reflecting its established scale and maturity relative to other storage technologies. Global installed pumped hydro capacity stood at 159.8 Gigawatts at the end of 2025, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). China accounted for nearly 66 Gigawatts of this capacity, followed by Japan and the United States with around 22 Gigawatts and 19 Gigawatts, respectively.  India ranks fourth globally in installed pumped storage capacity, with 7.18 Gigawatts at the end of 2025. The country's capacity has since increased to 7.43 Gigawatts as of July 2026, reinforcing its growing role in the global pumped storage landscape.

 

Government Initiatives and Measures

 

The Government of India has taken a series of coordinated policy, regulatory, demand-side and supply-side measures to promote the development and deployment of PSPs.

• Dedicated PSP Development Guidelines: The Ministry of Power notified the Guidelines to Promote Development of Pumped Storage Projects in India in April 2023.
  The guidelines provide a policy framework for facilitating faster PSP development. Click to Access Guideline
• Support for Enabling Infrastructure: Budgetary support covers essential infrastructure required for PSP development. This includes roads, bridges, railway sidings, ropeways, communication facilities and transmission lines. These measures improve project connectivity and strengthen project viability.
• Competitive Procurement Framework: Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) Guidelines were notified in February 2025. They provide a transparent and standardised framework for procuring storage capacity and stored energy from PSPs.
• Inter-State Transmission System Charge Waiver: PSPs awarded for construction by 30 June 2028 are eligible for a 100% ISTS charge waiver. The waiver applies for 25 years from commercial operation. This measure strengthens the financial viability of PSPs.
• Faster Project Approvals: Revised CEA guidelines have reduced Detailed Project Report concurrence timelines. The timeline has been reduced from 90 days to 50 days for all PSPs. The requirement for clearance of Inter-State Aspects has also been removed. These measures support faster project development.
• Streamlined Environmental Appraisal: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has introduced differentiated appraisal provisions for PSPs. Eligible projects can benefit from B2 categorisation under the applicable provisions. Off-stream projects also benefit from reduced baseline data requirements. These measures can accelerate environmental appraisal while maintaining regulatory safeguards.
• Facilitating Survey and Investigation: MoEF&CC extended forest land survey provisions and enhanced borehole exploration limits for PSPs, facilitating timely preparation of technically robust Detailed Project Reports.
• Integrated Grid and Transmission Planning: National electricity planning integrates energy storage and transmission development. This approach addresses renewable energy variability, reduces congestion and strengthens grid reliability. A roadmap envisages integrating 100 GW of PSP capacity between 2025–26 and 2035–36.
• Digital Project Monitoring: The Central Electricity Authority’s Jal Vidyut DPR portal enables real-time monitoring of survey and investigation activities. It also facilitates coordination among stakeholders during project preparation. This digital approach helps streamline approvals and accelerate PSP development.
• Review of limit of capital expenditure requiring the concurrence of the CEA: Government of India, vide Gazette Notification dated 01.08.2025, has revised the capital expenditure limit for schemes related to setting up hydro generating stations to ₹3,000 crore, requiring the concurrence of the CEA. Further, off-stream closed-loop pumped storage schemes, irrespective of the quantum of capital expenditure have been exempted from the requirement of concurrence by the CEA

 

These measures spanning policy clarity, fiscal support, streamlined clearances, competitive procurement and integrated grid planning have created an enabling environment for the accelerated development of PSPs.

Energy Transition's Next Imperative

India's target of achieving 500 Gigawatts of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 represents a fundamental shift in the country's electricity landscape. As renewable energy assumes a larger role, the ability to store energy and deploy it in line with demand will become increasingly important for maintaining a reliable and balanced power system. Pumped Storage Hydropower is well positioned to address this requirement through its ability to provide large-scale, long-duration energy storage while supporting a range of wider power system needs. Its role extends from managing peak demand and integrating variable renewable energy to strengthening grid flexibility and resilience. As the clean energy ecosystem continues to evolve, the effective deployment of energy storage alongside generation and transmission infrastructure will be central to building a power system that is cleaner, more flexible and prepared for the future.

References:

Ministry of Power

· https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2286558&lang=1&reg=3&utm_source

· https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2286558&lang=1&reg=3

· https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2293896&lang=2&reg=48&utm_source

· https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2047047&lang=2&reg=48&utm_source

· https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2290015&reg=48&lang=2

 

 

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

· https://mnre.gov.in/en/physical-progress/

· https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?lang=2&reg=48&relid=293063&utm_source

 

Central Electricity Authority

• https://cea.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/notification/2026/01/Roadmap_to_100_GW_of_Hydro_Pumped_Storage_Projects-2.pdf
• https://cea.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/pumpedstorage/2026/08/PSP_In_Operation_2.pdf
• https://cea.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/pumpedstorage/2026/08/PSP_Under_Construction_1.pdf
• https://cea.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/pumpedstorage/2026/08/PSPs_concurred_1.pdf
• https://cea.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/pumpedstorage/2026/08/PSP_Potential_5-2.pdf
• https://cea.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/pumpedstorage/2024/10/9._Guidelines_for_Formulation_of_Detailed_Project_Reports_for_Pumped_Storage_Schemes_July_2024_version_3.0.pdf
• https://cea.nic.in/old/reports/others/ps/pspa1/large_scale_grid_integ.pdf?utm_source

National Thermal Power Corporation Limited

• https://ntpc.co.in/media/employee-blog/role-water-batteries-energy-transition-and-green-energy-integration-india?utm_source

International Renewable Energy Agency

• https://www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2026/Mar/IRENA_DAT_RE_capacity_statistics_2026.pdf?utm_source

Click here for pdf file

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