Chhattisgarh is moving to significantly expand its hydropower capacity with new pumped-storage projects totaling 8,300 MW across six locations. The initiative is designed to diversify the state’s energy portfolio, which currently relies heavily on thermal power. Early clearances and project preparations are being accelerated to support the rollout.
The state power generation company has signed MoUs for 28 pumped-storage units with a combined capacity of 8,300 MW, and related documentation and approvals are being pushed forward on priority. According to officials from Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Company Limited (CSPGCL), pumped-storage plants are being pursued as a practical alternative to large dam-based hydropower projects, which typically encounter more complicated approval processes and implementation challenges.
They noted that Chhattisgarh’s power generation is still largely dominated by thermal sources due to abundant coal reserves, while hydropower remains marginal. To address this imbalance, six sites have been selected for pumped-storage development, with MoUs signed with multiple central public sector undertakings, including NHPC, NTPC, THDC and SJVN. Preliminary groundwork at these locations has already begun, officials added.
