- Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited (MEIL) will develop two pumped storage hydroelectric projects in Maharashtra with a combined capacity of 4,000 MW, supported by a ₹21,100 crore investment.
- The projects employ a “build-operate-maintain” model and aim to create 2,500 direct jobs, boost the local economy, and ensure long-term efficiency.
- The initiatives will enhance grid stability and facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources, addressing India’s growing electricity demand and supporting decarbonisation goals.
Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited (MEIL) advances India’s energy landscape with two new pumped storage hydroelectric projects. These projects will provide a combined capacity of 4,000 MW, a breakthrough in energy management for the region.
MEIL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra to execute these projects. Engineers will locate the facilities in the Nandurbar and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar districts. The projects will follow a “Build-Operate-Maintain” (BOM) model, ensuring efficient long-term operation and maintenance of the facilities.
Investors estimate the total investment for these projects at ₹21,100 crores (about €2.5 billion). This investment will strengthen Maharashtra’s energy infrastructure and optimise electricity flow management. The facilities will provide a minimum daily storage capacity of six hours, helping meet state and national energy demands.
The Kamod and Ghosla projects will use a closed-loop system with upper and lower reservoirs. This system allows turbines to operate in both directions. Workers pump water to the upper reservoir during low-demand periods and generate electricity during peak consumption. Engineers will initially fill the reservoirs by drawing from existing water bodies. Crews will conduct annual replenishment to mitigate natural losses.
The installations will feature reversible turbines that adapt to grid requirements. This design enhances flexibility in energy demand management. The projects will also improve the integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. These sources often require reliable storage solutions due to their intermittent nature.
The ₹21,100 crore investment reflects the extensive work needed. This includes building new reservoirs and installing advanced pumped storage technology. Financing aligns with Maharashtra’s energy policy, prioritising infrastructure supporting decarbonisation and energy security.
MEIL commits to creating 2,500 direct jobs through these projects. This initiative strengthens the local economy. However, technical and environmental challenges remain. Water resource management and implementation timelines pose vital concerns.
These projects fit into Maharashtra’s broader energy strategy, which focuses on diversifying energy sources and optimising storage capacity. The central government supports the development of pumped hydro storage projects and encourages large-scale storage technologies. These efforts stabilise power grids while facilitating renewable energy integration.
The Maharashtra government actively supports these initiatives and has established a regulatory framework encouraging public-private partnerships. This flexible model allows project objectives to adjust based on regional needs while considering profitability and efficiency.
The Kamod and Ghosla projects underscore the growing importance of energy storage in India. The nation faces increasing electricity demand. These initiatives aim to improve grid stability and optimise demand management capabilities. They also reinforce Maharashtra’s leadership position in developing large-scale energy projects.
India’s energy sector is undergoing a rapid transformation. Stakeholders are focusing on enhancing storage capacity to support renewable energy growth. Initiatives like those from MEIL play a crucial role in ensuring long-term grid stability and pave the way for a more resilient energy future in India.