THDC India Limited, a premier Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) has achieved a historic milestone with the successful Synchronization of first unit (250 MW) of India’s first Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant (PSP) to the National Grid. The synchronization took place on 19th November 2024, at 17:50 Hrs marking a significant leap in India’s renewable energy infrastructure development.

The momentous occasion was graced by the esteemed presence of R.K. Vishnoi, Chairman and Managing Director, THDC India Limited. Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, (Power), GoI and Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC were also present in this significant achievement through Video conferencing.

Adding to the occasion’s significance, Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power (Government of India), via video conference congratulated the PSP team for their tireless dedication. He also commended THDC India Limited for achieving this significant milestone.

Vishnoi extended his heartfelt congratulations to Team PSP for their exceptional achievement, underscoring the critical role this milestone plays in enhancing the National Grid’s capacity. He highlighted that this is a pivotal step in the commissioning of India’s largest pumped storage plant developed by any CPSE, bringing India’s largest Hydro Power Complex, the Tehri Hydro Power Complex closer to full operationalization with a total installed capacity of 2,400 MW.

Vishnoi remarked, this achievement is a testament to our commitment to strengthening India’s renewable energy infrastructure. It positions the Tehri Hydro Power Complex as a key contributor to the nation’s transition towards a sustainable and resilient energy future.

Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC via video conference also applauded the entire PSP team for their unwavering dedication in achieving this remarkable milestone. He further emphasized that the successful commissioning of the Tehri PSP will set a valuable precedent, paving the way for other PSUs to venture into Pumped Storage Projects which are crucial for enhancing grid stability and meeting the growing demand for Renewable Energy Integration. Singh congratulated CMD THDCIL and lauded the THDCILs unwavering dedication and commitment in achieving this ground breaking milestone. His words further underscored the national significance of this milestone, highlighting its potential to inspire future endeavours in advanced hydropower and storage solutions across the country.

Shallinder Singh, Director (Personnel), expressed his heartfelt congratulations towards achieving this key milestone and emphasized that this achievement is a crucial step in expanding THDCIL's footprint in the PSP, thereby contributing to India’s Energy self-reliance & Grid stability. He also mentioned that this achievement is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and perseverance of every individual involved in the project.

Bhupender Gupta, Director (Technical), on this occasion, appreciated the immense efforts put in by the Tehri PSP team, emphasizing the technical challenges overcome during the synchronization process. Gupta further added that the successful synchronization of the first unit marks a significant achievement in THDC India Limited’s journey towards realizing the full potential of the Tehri Hydro Power Complex, and it is a testament to the cutting-edge technological advancements applied throughout the project.

Sipan Kumar Garg, Director (Finance) mentioned that while congratulating the team, highlighted the strategic financial planning and investment that have supported the development of the Tehri Pumped Storage Plant. He emphasized that the milestone is not only a technological achievement but also a significant financial accomplishment, as it demonstrates the strong commitment of THDC India Limited towards securing financial sustainability and long-term viability of the project.

L.P. Joshi, Executive Director (Tehri Complex), lauded the unwavering commitment of the Tehri PSP team, consortium partners (M/s GEPIL and M/s HCC), and other stakeholders. He emphasized the collaborative efforts that culminated in this landmark achievement. Joshi also noted that the successful synchronization of first Unit with the Grid is only the beginning, and the focus will now shift to ensuring the unit’s commercial operation at the earliest.

Anoop Gairola CGM (Civil-PSP), Dr. A. N. Tripathy, GM (HR-Admin, CC), and other senior officials from THDCIL, consortium partners, and THDCIL’s consultant M/s Tractebel were also present during the occasion.