Greenko seeks nod for 1,000 MW pumped storage project at Mettur

CHENNAI: Greenko Energies Pvt Ltd has applied for environmental clearance for the proposed 1,000 MW closed-loop pumped storage hydroelectric project (PSHEP) at Mettur around a fortnight after the company signed a memorandum of understanding with the state government to set up three PSHEPs totalling 3,300 MW.

The Greenko proposed to develop an Off-Stream Closed Loop Pumped Storage Project (PSP) near Navappatti Village, Mettur Taluk in Salem with a total generation capacity of 1000 MW.

A pumped Storage Project (PSP) is a type of hydroelectric generation plant that stores energy in the form of water, pumped from a lower elevation reservoir to an upper elevation reservoir during an off-peak period and generates electricity during the peak period. The generation from the PSP would be able to help balance infirm generation from renewable energy sources like Solar and Wind. Since Greenko’s PSHEP project at Mettur is an Off-Stream Closed Loop Project, the company has proposed that a one-time requirement of 278 Million Cubic Feet (MCFT) of water be lifted from the existing nearby Mettur Dam.

The closed-loop PSHP is located away from rivers and does not involve a connection to a natural water source to create a lower reservoir. The open loop, by contrast, has an ongoing hydrologic connection to a natural body of water like a river or a lake.

“225 MCFT of water will be used for power generation by re-circulation with 6.09 hours storage capacity. The total land required for the construction of various components including infrastructure facilities and muck disposal area is estimated to be around 274.94 hectares involving 179.46 hectares of forest land and 95.49 hectares of non-forest land. It is envisaged to complete the construction of the project within 3.5 years at an estimated cost of Rs 5,947.45 crore,” Greenko’s proposal said.