OHPC awards Upper Indravati Pumped Storage Project to MEIL in Kalahandi
OHPC has awarded the letter of intent for the 600 MW Upper Indravati pumped storage project in Kalahandi to Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd.
The Odisha Hydro Power Corporation (OHPC) has awarded the letter of intent for the 600 MW Upper Indravati Pumped Storage Project to Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL) for construction at Ranibahal in Kalahandi district. The project, estimated at Rs 3,160 crore, received final approval from the Central Electricity Authority in August 2024 and is targeted for commissioning by 2030. It will feature four 150 MW reversible pump-turbine units to store surplus electricity and generate power during peak demand, enhancing grid stability as Odisha expands renewable energy capacity.
What are the key technical details of the Upper Indravati PSP?
The announcement said the project will have four generating units of 150 MW each, making a total capacity of 600 MW. It will feature an underground powerhouse comprising four reversible pump-turbines, an underground transformer hall, step-up transformers and a gas-insulated switchyard. The reversible turbine technology enables storage of surplus electricity during off-peak hours and generation during periods of high demand. This design aims to enhance grid stability as Odisha increases its renewable energy share.
Why is the project considered important for Odisha’s electricity grid?
Energy department officials said the project is expected to play a critical role in improving grid flexibility as the state scales up renewable energy capacity. They described it as a landmark initiative that would strengthen Odisha’s clean energy ecosystem and improve power reliability. The project supports the state’s long-term transition towards a sustainable and resilient electricity system. Pumped storage plants are increasingly viewed as essential infrastructure for balancing intermittent solar and wind generation.
What are the next steps and timeline for the project?
The letter of intent awarded to MEIL is for the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract, with on-site development set to begin soon. The project is targeted for commissioning by 2030, following final approval from the Central Electricity Authority in August 2024. As per the environment impact study report by WAPCOS Ltd, the project will require around 151.93 hectare of land, comprising 107.6 hectare of forest land and 44.33 hectare of non-forest land. The Upper Indravati PSP is one of three major pumped storage projects being developed by OHPC, alongside the 500 MW Balimela PSP and the 600 MW Upper Kolab PSP at Bariniput, with a combined planned capacity of 1,700 MW.
What is the capacity of the Upper Indravati Pumped Storage Project?
The project has a total capacity of 600 MW, consisting of four generating units of 150 MW each.
Which company received the letter of intent for the Upper Indravati PSP?
Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL) received the letter of intent from OHPC.
What is the estimated cost of the project?
The project is estimated to cost around Rs 3,160 crore.
When is the project expected to be commissioned?
The project is targeted for commissioning by 2030.
How much land will the project require according to the WAPCOS impact study?
The project will require around 151.93 hectare of land, comprising 107.6 hectare of forest land and 44.33 hectare of non-forest land, as per the WAPCOS environment impact study report.
What is the expected annual electricity generation from the project?
Energy department sources said the project has a target to generate 918.97 million units of electricity per year.
Which other pumped storage projects is OHPC developing alongside Upper Indravati?
OHPC is also developing the 500 MW Balimela PSP and the 600 MW Upper Kolab PSP at Bariniput, for a combined planned capacity of 1,700 MW.
How will the project help Odisha’s renewable energy goals?
By storing surplus electricity during off-peak hours and generating power during high demand, the project will improve grid flexibility and support the integration of solar and wind generation.
Jyotirmayee Majhi
District Correspondent, Kalahandi
Jyotirmayee Majhi covers Kalahandi district, with a focus on tribal rights, agriculture distress reporting, and district-level policy.
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