“Uttar Pradesh is embracing pumped storage hydropower to bolster its renewable energy goals. By leveraging elevation differences to store and generate electricity, UP aims to stabilize its grid and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Recent projects signal a shift toward sustainable energy, addressing rising demand and supporting India’s net-zero ambitions.”
Uttar Pradesh’s Push for Pumped Storage Power
In a significant stride toward sustainable energy, Uttar Pradesh is emerging as a key player in India’s renewable energy landscape by investing in pumped storage hydropower (PSH) projects. This innovative technology, often described as a “giant battery,” is gaining traction as a solution to balance the state’s power grid amid growing electricity demand and the integration of intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind.
Pumped storage hydropower works by utilizing two reservoirs at different elevations. During periods of excess electricity, water is pumped from the lower reservoir to the higher one. When demand spikes, water is released back down, passing through turbines to generate power. This mechanism allows UP to store surplus renewable energy and release it when needed, ensuring grid stability and reducing dependence on coal-based power plants.
Recent developments in UP highlight the state’s commitment to this technology. In 2025, the Uttar Pradesh government announced plans to develop multiple PSH projects, with a focus on closed-loop systems that minimize environmental impact by avoiding connection to natural waterways. One such project, proposed in the Bundelkhand region, aims to harness the area’s hilly terrain to create a 1,200 MW facility. This initiative, backed by the state’s energy department and private investors, is expected to be operational by 2030, contributing significantly to UP’s renewable energy capacity.
The push for PSH aligns with India’s broader energy goals. The International Energy Agency projects that renewable sources like solar and wind will account for 54–71% of global electricity by 2050, necessitating robust storage solutions to manage their variability. In UP, where power demand is rising due to industrialization and urbanization, PSH offers a reliable way to store energy for peak hours, reducing strain on the grid and curbing blackouts.
The state’s efforts are also supported by central government policies. In October 2024, the UK’s investment support scheme for long-duration energy storage, including PSH, inspired similar frameworks in India, boosting investor confidence. UP’s projects are expected to attract billions in funding, creating jobs and fostering economic growth. For instance, the Bundelkhand project alone is projected to generate over 5,000 direct and indirect jobs during its construction phase.
Innovations are further enhancing PSH’s feasibility in UP. Unlike traditional PSH, which requires mountainous terrain, new approaches like geomechanical pumped storage (GPS) are being explored. Companies like Quidnet Energy, backed by global clean energy funds, are developing GPS systems that use underground wells to store energy, making PSH viable in flatter regions of UP. These advancements could reduce construction costs and timelines, addressing historical barriers to PSH deployment.
However, challenges remain. High upfront costs and lengthy permitting processes have slowed PSH development globally. In UP, environmental concerns, particularly regarding land use and water availability, are being addressed through closed-loop systems and community consultations. The state is also learning from international models, such as Australia’s focus on off-river PSH sites, which require minimal land and water.
The economic benefits of PSH are substantial. A 2025 Australian National University study estimates that PSH, combined with batteries, could meet 95% of global energy storage needs at a fraction of the cost of other technologies. For UP, this translates to potential savings of billions of rupees by 2050, as cheaper renewable energy reduces reliance on expensive fossil fuels.
As UP scales up its PSH infrastructure, the state is positioning itself as a leader in India’s clean energy transition. By integrating innovative storage solutions with its growing renewable energy portfolio, Uttar Pradesh is not only addressing its energy needs but also contributing to the nation’s net-zero goals, setting a model for other states to follow.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent reports, industry analyses, and publicly available data from sources like the International Energy Agency, Department of Energy, and news outlets. Information is accurate as of September 2025 and subject to change as new developments emerge.