India's First Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant Begins Operations with 250 MW Unit COD In Uttarakhand's Tehri—All About It

In a groundbreaking achievement, THDC India Limited (THDCIL) has successfully commenced the Commercial Operation Date (COD) process for the first unit of India's first Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant (PSP) at Tehri Garhwal in Uttarakhand.

This significant milestone marks the operational beginning of the 1,000 MW Tehri PSP, with the first unit contributing 250 MW.

The virtual ceremony to commemorate this achievement was attended by Union Minister of Power Manohar Lal Khattar, who hailed the accomplishment as a major step toward India's energy self-reliance.

Addressing the gathering, the Union Minister stated that the successful operation of 1st unit of India’s first Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant at Tehri is not just a technological achievement by THDCIL, but a bold stride towards India’s energy self-reliance.

The project will significantly strengthen our grid stability and support the integration of renewable energy, the minister said, adding that the variable speed technology allows us to manage power flow with precision, making our energy ecosystem smarter and more flexible.

Khattar congratulated the entire THDCIL team, implementing partners, and every individual who contributed directly or indirectly to this historic success.

Designed to provide flexible peaking power and critical grid balancing support, the Tehri Variable Speed PSP represents a significant leap forward in India’s ability to manage intermittent renewable energy, the Ministry of Power said in a statement.

The power electronics and controls, along with the 250 MW variable-speed pumped storage hydropower unit, for the project have been supplied by GE Vernova.

GE Vernova is a global energy company that produces advanced technologies to harness hydropower and deliver reliable energy solutions.

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