EAC clears over 5,100 MW hydro, pumped storage projects
The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for River Valley and Hydroelectric Projects has granted or recommended Terms of Reference (ToR) for four hydroelectric and pumped storage projects across Maharashtra, Bihar, and Arunachal Pradesh during its 53rd meeting held virtually on April 29–30, 2026. The projects together represent more than 5,100 MW of planned capacity.
The proposals include pumped storage projects by NTPC Limited, Greenko BR01 IREP Private Limited, and THDC India Limited, along with the Niare Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh.
1,500 MW Amba Pumped Storage Project, Maharashtra
NTPC Limited received ToR for its proposed 1,500 MW Amba Open Loop Pumped Storage Project in Pune and Raigad districts of Maharashtra. The project will comprise six units of 250 MW each and will require 272.21 hectares of land. The scheme includes an upper reservoir linked to the Pawana River basin and a lower reservoir connected to the Amba River basin through a water conductor system with a gross head of 617.33 metres.
The EAC observed that all project components fall within the proposed Western Ghats Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA) and directed NTPC to undertake a cumulative environmental impact assessment for nearby developments. The committee also asked the company to revise its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maharashtra government to reflect the revised capacity of 1,500 MW from the earlier 800 MW. Wildlife conservation and native plantation plans have also been sought.
1,200 MW BR-01 Pumped Storage Project, Bihar
The EAC also recommended ToR for the 1,200 MW Greenko BR-01 Off-Stream Closed Loop Pumped Storage Project in Bihar’s Nawada district. The project, being developed by Greenko BR01 IREP Private Limited, will consist of four units of 300 MW each and is expected to generate 2,537 million units annually. The estimated project cost is Rs 7,807.89 crore.
The committee noted that the project involves 231.41 hectares of forest land and directed the developer to submit the application for Stage-I Forest Clearance within the prescribed timeline. Since the Rajauli Wildlife Sanctuary Eco-Sensitive Zone notification remains at the draft stage, the developer has also been directed to obtain prior clearance from the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).
1,500 MW Aruna Pumped Storage Project, Maharashtra
THDC India Limited secured ToR recommendation for the 1,500 MW Aruna Open Loop Pumped Storage Project in Kolhapur and Sindhudurg districts of Maharashtra. The project, estimated to cost Rs 9,126.10 crore, will include six reversible Francis turbine units of 250 MW each and is expected to generate 3,120.75 million units annually during six-hour daily peak operation.
The EAC observed that the upper reservoir falls within the Gaganbawada Conservation Reserve and that project villages are located in the proposed Western Ghats ESA. THDC India has been asked to revise its existing MoU with the Maharashtra government, originally signed for a 1,950 MW configuration, to align with the revised 1,500 MW capacity. The committee also directed preparation of biodiversity conservation, muck management, and ecosystem protection plans.
909 MW Niare Hydroelectric Project, Arunachal Pradesh
The EAC further recommended fresh ToR for the 909 MW Niare Hydroelectric Project on the Subansiri River in Arunachal Pradesh, being developed by Andra Power Private Limited. The project capacity has been revised from the earlier approved 870 MW following detailed survey work and preparation of the detailed project report.
The run-of-river project will feature a 149.50-metre concrete gravity dam and underground infrastructure, including an 810 MW main powerhouse and a 99 MW auxiliary powerhouse. The revised design has reduced the total land requirement from 429.585 hectares to 175.05 hectares, while submergence has been limited to 48 hectares.
The EAC directed the developer to maintain environmental flows equal to 20% of average river flow throughout the year. Additional requirements include wildlife conservation measures, geological certification, disaster management planning, fisheries management, and three-season baseline environmental data collection.
Across all four projects, the EAC stressed the need for detailed environmental assessments, wildlife protection measures, and compliance with forest and eco-sensitive zone regulations before final Environmental Clearance (EC) is considered.
The featured photograph is for representation only.
