CEA clears Karnataka's Sharavathi pump storage project DPR

BENGALURU: Successful in tiding over the energy crisis, the energy department received a shot in the arm on Friday with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) clearing Karnataka's ambitious pumped storage project proposed to come up in Shivamogga. Reviewing the detailed project report (DPR) for the 2,000 Mw Sharavathi hydro pump storage plant in Sharavathi valley, the CEA has approved the DPR.

A major initiative in Karnataka’s renewable energy sector, the plant is expected to be set up between the Talakalale dam of Shivamogga and Gerusoppa reservoir of Uttara Kannada in the dense forests of Sharavathi valley. Appreciating the decision of the Union ministry of power, Karnataka Energy minister KJ George said that this is a significant milestone in Karnataka’s energy sector.

“The Sharavathi hydro pump storage plant is expected to play a vital role in Karnataka’s energy sector, offering a reliable solution for balancing grid stability and meeting peak power demands. With a substantial capacity of 2,000 MW, the plant will leverage the existing Sharavathi river system to store and generate electricity efficiently,” energy minister KJ George said.

The project, hailed for its flexibility, adapts to the growing fluctuations in the surging demand for energy in the state. “Whenever there is a drop in the demand, the water is pumped from a lower reservoir to a higher one. As and when the energy demand peaks, the same pumped water will be utilized to generate electricity. Pump storage projects are crucial in ensuring energy security by making use of renewable energy resources. As the water is reused, there will be no dearth of water for irrigation and the state can generate electricity in Summer as well when there will be a severe crisis of water,” explained Gaurav Gupta, additional chief secretary, energy department, Karnataka.

As the project has been planned amidst the lush evergreen forests of ecologically sensitive Western Ghats region and close to the Sharavathi Lion Tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary, the pump storage project is facing stiff opposition from the green activists and conservationists. Karnataka is yet to obtain environmental clearance for the project from the National Board for Wildlife.

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