India plans to develop 100 GW of pumped storage hydropower by 2035-36 as global focus shifts towards energy storage solutions supporting renewable power.
Guwahati, June 24:
India is aiming to develop 100 gigawatts (GW) of pumped storage hydropower capacity by 2035-36, according to the 2026 Global Hydropower Outlook released by the International Hydropower Association (IHA).
The report describes pumped storage hydropower as a "water battery", highlighting its growing importance in storing surplus electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar and wind and supplying power when demand increases.
Unlike conventional batteries, pumped storage plants store energy by pumping water to an elevated reservoir during periods of excess electricity generation. When electricity demand rises, the stored water is released through turbines to generate power, helping stabilise the electricity grid.
According to the report, India's proposed expansion is expected to play a crucial role in supporting the country's renewable energy ambitions, improving grid reliability and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
The outlook also noted that China continues to lead global hydropower development, with more than 300 GW of hydropower capacity currently under construction, including around 218 GW of pumped storage projects.
While India's planned expansion represents one of the world's largest future pumped storage programmes, experts say faster project execution, investment and supportive policies will be essential to achieve the target.
The report further highlighted that East Asia remains the global leader in hydropower development, driven primarily by large-scale investments in China.
As India moves towards higher renewable energy adoption, pumped storage hydropower is expected to become a key component of the country's long-term energy security and clean energy transition.