Bihar: State-run SJVN Ltd has signed an MoU with the Government of Bihar to develop the 1000 MW Hathidah Durgawati Pumped Storage Project (PSP) in Kaimur district. The agreement, signed in Patna, also includes provisions for developing additional PSPs in the state to strengthen Bihar’s renewable energy infrastructure.
Project Details
The Hathidah Durgawati PSP is designed to have an installed capacity of 1000 MW (4×250 MW), with the ability to generate 6.325 million units of daily peak energy. Annually, the project is expected to produce 2,308.65 million units. Proposed on the Durgawati River, the project is estimated to cost ₹5,663 crore.
The initiative is expected to boost Bihar’s energy storage capabilities while providing direct and indirect employment to around 5,000 people. SJVN has committed an overall investment of ₹10,000 crore for PSP development in the state.
Background and Scope
In August 2022, the Ministry of Power appointed SJVN as the nodal agency for PSP development in Bihar. Subsequently, the state government allocated four PSPs to the company: Hathidah Durgawati PSP (1000 MW), Telharkund PSP (400 MW), Sinafdar PSP (345 MW), and Panchgotia PSP (225 MW).
Following feasibility studies, SJVN prioritized the Hathidah Durgawati PSP due to its viability and potential energy output. The levelized tariff for the project is estimated at ₹9.39 per kWh, assuming a pumping energy rate of ₹3 per kWh.
Broader Developments
Apart from Bihar, SJVN is currently developing approximately 12,000 MW of pumped storage projects across states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Mizoram, and Himachal Pradesh. This aligns with India’s broader push towards renewable energy and energy storage solutions.
The Hathidah Durgawati project, once operational, is expected to enhance grid stability and support Bihar’s growing energy demands.
