Explainer: How BBMB plans pumped storage

IN a move aimed at strengthening northern India’s energy security, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has come up with an ambitious plan to generate nearly 13,000 MW of hydropower through pumped storage projects (PSPs) across the Sutlej and Beas river basins. The initiative includes eight self-identified PSP sites — four around Bhakra Dam and four around Pong Dam, all located in Himachal Pradesh. The PSP sites at Bhakra include Lehri in Bilaspur district, Raipur/Dobar in Una district, and Majra and Chhakmoh in Hamirpur district. At Pong Dam, the sites include Garial, Balwal, Chaplah and Dodrah in Kangra district.

What is pumped storage hydropower?

Often described as “water batteries”, pumped storage hydropower is a clean energy storage solution. It works on a simple principle — during low-demand period, surplus electricity is used to pump water from a lower reservoir to a higher one. During peak demand, the stored water is released back down through turbines, generating power again.

Globally, pumped storage is the most proven and large-scale form of energy storage.

Bhakra Beas Management Board’s plan

Under its COP26 and COP27 commitments, India has set a target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, along with a net-zero goal for 2070. The Ministry of Power has therefore asked BBMB to explore PSPs and floating solar potential across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh.

By 2030, the partner states of BBMB, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Himachal, will collectively require tens of thousands of megawatts under Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs).

BBMB, with its vast reservoirs, technical expertise and established hydro infrastructure, it is felt, is uniquely positioned to help states meet these mandates by setting up PSPs.

The northern region faces sharp demand spikes in the mornings and evenings, especially with rising domestic consumption and expanding electric mobility. Solar power dips after sunset, forcing states to rely on costly thermal power purchases.

The Dobar PSP and future projects will supply instant peak-hour power for five-six hours daily.

The first pilot project

BBMB’s feasibility studies, conducted through the Water and Power Consultancy Services(WAPCOS), found Raipur/Dobar Uparla in Una district to be the most suitable PSP site due to favourable topography, shorter water conductor systems and cost-effective design.

The Rs 6,510-crore 1,500-MW project will have six units of 250 MW each. The upper reservoir will have 14.4 million cubic metre (MCM) live storage while the existing Gobind Sagar Lake will form the lower reservoir.

The dam height will be 100 metres and the construction period is four and a half years after clearances.

Technology: Reversible turbine units will be capable of both pumping and generating. Water will be pumped from Gobind Sagar during off-peak hours and released back during peak hours, ensuring power availability when the grid needs it the most. The process does not affect irrigation commitments because the same water circulates between two basins.

Himachal’s approval is crucial

Although the Bhakra Beas Management Board has approved detailed project report (DPR) preparation for all eight sites, the Himachal Pradesh government’s formal allotment of land and project rights is still pending. Himachal currently receives 7.5 per cent free power from BBMB projects, but for Centrally-run hydro projects within the state, the quota is 12 per cent — a factor that could see the state negotiating for a good deal before granting approvals.

The final nod from the Himachal government is, therefore, essential for BBMB to issue work orders, initiate DPR preparation, and move toward environmental clearance.

If executed as planned, BBMB’s pumped storage programme will be one of India’s biggest hydro-based storage initiatives. With nearly 13,000-MW potential identified and the Dobar project ready for detailed planning, northern India is poised to gain a major asset for future power stability.