In a step towards adopting pump storage project under the renewable energy policy, the Maharashtra government on Tuesday signed an MoU with Torrent Power. According to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, “The Centre has laid a lot of emphasis on renewable energy. In accordance with our national renewable policy, we have taken the initiative. The Maharashtra government and Torrent Power company signed an MoU for 13,050 MW. We will get Rs 71,000 crore investments and more than 30,000 jobs.” The deputy CM, who holds power portfolio, said, “The pump storage project can stabilise the power grid within a minute.” In PSP, two water reservoirs are connected through a tunnel or underground pipe at different heights. If there is more electricity production and less demand, these projects pump water from the downward reservoir to the upward reservoir. In case of higher energy requirement, water is pushed from the uphill to the downhill via a turbine to produce the required power instantly. “In 2020-2021, Gujarat was number one state in investments. In 2021-22, Karnataka was leading. But since CM Eknath Shinde-led BJP-Shiv Sena coalition came to power in June 2022, we have worked to restore the states leading status,” said Fadnavis.
