Make Maharashtra Energy-Self-Sufficient through Pumped Storage Hydropower Projects : CM Devendra Fadnavis
Three MoUs Signed in Presence of the Chief Minister; 8,905 MW of Power Generation Capacity
Vipul Vaidya
Mumbai: Maharashtra is making significant progress toward self-reliance in power generation. The state government has initiated efforts to develop pumped storage hydropower projects to boost green energy production and ensure energy sufficiency. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed confidence that Maharashtra will become stronger in power generation through MoUs signed today between the Water Resources Department, MAHAGENCO, MAHAGENCO Renewable Energy Ltd., and Avaada Aqua Batteries Pvt. Ltd.
The Chief Minister directed the concerned agencies to complete the energy-related projects within stipulated timelines.
In a program held at Mantralaya today in the presence of CM Fadnavis, three MoUs were signed covering nine project sites in coordination with the Water Resources Department. Ministers Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil (Godavari and Krishna Valley Development Corporation), Girish Mahajan (Vidarbha, Tapi, and Konkan Valley Development Corporation & Disaster Management), and Sanjay Rathod (Soil and Water Conservation), as well as Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, were present.
CM Fadnavis remarked that pumped storage hydropower projects are a distinct and modern technology in the renewable energy sector. These projects will help meet the growing power demand from agriculture, industry, and commercial sectors while producing sustainable and green energy, thus benefiting the environment.
He noted that the state aims to achieve 50% of its total energy capacity through renewable sources, and planning is underway accordingly.
The agreements signed today will result in an investment of ₹57,260 crore in pumped storage projects across the state, generating 8,905 MW of power and creating 9,200 employment opportunities.
Breakdown of agreements:
MAHAGENCO: Projects totaling 3,145 MW.
MAHAGENCO Renewable Energy Ltd.: Projects totaling 2,110 MW.
Avaada Aqua Batteries Pvt. Ltd.: Projects totaling 3,650 MW.
Project Sites
MAHAGENCO: Ghatghar (125 MW), Kodali (220 MW), Varasgaon (1,200 MW), Panshet (1,600 MW).
MAHAGENCO Renewable Energy Ltd.: Muthkhed (110 MW), Nive (1,200 MW), Varandhghat (800 MW).
Avaada Aqua Batteries Pvt. Ltd.: Pavana-Phalyan (2,400 MW), Sirsala (1,250 MW).
Present at the MoU ceremony were Additional Chief Secretary of the Water Resources Department Deepak Kapoor, Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy Department Abha Shukla, MAHAGENCO Chairman and Managing Director Radhakrishnan B., Secretary of the Water Resources Department Sanjay Belsare, and MAHAGENCO Directors Sanjay Marudkar and Abhay Harne.