A revised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was recently signed between the Maharashtra State Water Resources Department and NTPC Limited in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. This agreement will increase the combined capacity of the Amba and Kumbhe Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Projects from 1,800 megawatts to 2,600 megawatts. The signing ceremony witnessed the attendance of key officials including Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan.
Following detailed surveys conducted by NTPC Limited, it was discovered that the sites’ geological and technical parameters allow for an additional 800 megawatts of power generation. The original MoU was updated based on recommendations from the Central Electricity Authority to reflect the enhanced capacities: Amba Pumped Storage Project now at 1,500 megawatts (+700 megawatts) and Kumbhe Pumped Storage Project at 1,100 megawatts (+100 megawatts), with the total capacity previously at 1,800 megawatts.
Additional Chief Secretary Deepak Kapoor highlighted that this marks the 60th MoU signed by the state under its Public-Private Partnership policy for Pumped Storage Projects. The state’s vision for hydroelectric power aims for a total expected generation of 82,015 megawatts across 60 MoUs, with an estimated investment of Rs 4.28 lakh crore and job creation for 1.31 lakh people.
The expansion of the Amba and Kumbhe projects showcases the technical viability of Maharashtra’s water resources. The addition of 800 megawatts will significantly contribute to the state’s grid stability and green energy objectives. Maharashtra has recently shifted its energy strategy to prioritize Pumped Hydro Storage, aspiring to become India’s “Pumped Storage Hub.”
