In a significant move to enhance renewable energy integration and manage peak power, the Tamil Nadu government has commenced the development of the 1,000 MW Vellimalai Pumped Storage Hydro-Electric Project in Kanniyakumari district.
The Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation Limited (TNGECL) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to choose a developer for the project following the Union Ministry of Power’s competitive bidding guidelines. This project marks the first pumped storage endeavor in Tamil Nadu to be executed through a public-private partnership (PPP) model under Section 63 of the Electricity Act.
The Vellimalai project is a crucial part of the state’s strategy to support the increasing proportion of renewable energy like solar and wind. These pumped storage facilities function as large-scale energy storage systems, enabling surplus power generated during low-demand periods to be stored and utilized during peak hours.
Estimated at Rs 5,624 crore, the project will comprise four fixed-speed turbine units of 250 MW each, totaling 1,000 MW capacity and a storage capacity of 6,000 MWh. It is designed as a closed-loop off-river pumped storage system, involving the creation of two artificial reservoirs near Maruvattar Kannu village and Madatattuvilai village.
