PrashantNews
THDC India Limited, a leading power company, on Tuesday signed a mega MoU with the Maharashtra government to harness 6700 Mw of energy through six pumped storage projects (PSPs) in the state entailing an investment of Rs 33,600 crore.
The MoU was signed with the Department of Water Resources, Government of Maharashtra (GoMWRD) in the presence of Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
This collaboration marks a significant advancement in Maharashtra’s energy Infrastructure and reinforces the commitment to enhancing the State’s power capabilities. Fadnavis congratulated the management of THDCIL for the MOU and conveyed full support and cooperation to ensure the effective implementation and early completion of projects.
The MoU aims to facilitate the developer in conducting Surveys, Investigations, and the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), and in establishing the projects in a time-bound manner while adhering to the prevailing rules, policies, and schemes of both the Central and State Governments.
R K Vishnoi, Chairman and Managing Director of THDC India Limited (THDCIL), said it is a significant step in the Company’s commitment to fulfill the country’s energy needs. This initiative will enable THDCIL to harness the untapped potential of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) in the State of Maharashtra.
Vishnoi emphasized that THDCIL is on the cusp of commissioning India’s largest CPSE project, the 1000 MW Tehri PSP, demonstrating the company’s expertise in developing cutting-edge Hydro Projects.
The six planned projects under this MoU are the Malshej Ghat Pumped Storage Project (700 MW), the Aruna Pumped Storage Project (1950 MW), the Kharari Pumped Storage Project (1250 MW), the Humbarli Birmani Pumped Storage Project (1000 MW), the Aruna Kolamb Pumped Storage Project (1200 MW), and the Morawadi Majarewadi Pumped Storage Project (690 MW). The signing of this MOU marks a substantial advancement in Maharashtra’s Energy infrastructure and underscores THDCIL’s commitment to bolstering the State’s Renewable Energy capabilities.
Vishnoi added that the MoU sets forth several crucial agreements between THDCIL and GoMWRD. As part of the collaboration, GoMWRD will facilitate the process of water allocation necessary for the projects, including both initial filling and annual consumptive requirements, upon receiving applications from THDCIL. In return, THDCIL is dedicated to preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for each project and submitting them for approval to both the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and GoMWRD.
The MoU, was signed by Shallinder Singh, Director (Personnel), THDCIL, and Deepak Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resource Department, Government of Maharashtra.
The MOU also stipulates that the State will assist THDCIL in obtaining timely clearances and approvals in accordance with existing policies. THDCIL will be responsible for applying to various departments while keeping GoMWRD informed throughout the process.
Vishnoi further highlighted that on completion these Projects will significantly contribute to the socio-economic development of the region. This will promote Eco-Tourism and is likely to generate around 30 lakhs man-hours of direct/indirect employment opportunities on an annual basis during the construction of the Projects, and foster skill development, thereby supporting the broader service sector.
Shallinder Singh, Director (Personnel) at THDCIL, emphasized the transformative impact this MoU will have on Maharashtra’s Energy landscape. He noted, “This Memorandum of Understanding represents a pivotal moment for both THDCIL and the State of Maharashtra. It is not just a commitment to advancing our Energy Infrastructure but also a profound step towards realizing our shared vision of Sustainable and Renewable Energy growth.
Singh highlighted the strategic importance of the six Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs), stating, “The development of these six significant PSPs is expected to not only bolster the Reliability and Stability of Maharashtra’s Power Grid but also contribute to the State’s efforts in meeting its Renewable Energy targets. The collaboration with GoMWRD ensures that we are aligned with State policies and THDCIL will facilitate a streamlined process for the successful execution of these Projects.”