CEA approves 2 PSPs in Odisha, Karnataka

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has approved two Hydro Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs): the 600 MW Upper Indravati in Odisha by Odisha Hydro Power Corporation (OHPC) and the 2000 MW Sharavathy in Karnataka by Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL). These approvals were supported by the Central Water Commission (CWC), Geological Survey of India (GSI), and Central Soil and Materials Research Station (CSMRS).

CEA has received Hydro PSP proposals totalling around 60 GW, currently under Survey & Investigation and at various stages of Detailed Project Report (DPR) preparation. These DPRs will be uploaded to CEA’s online portal for concurrence under section 8 of the Electricity Act, 2003. To streamline the approval process, CEA has revised its guidelines for DPR preparation and concurrence. Key changes include a shortened checklist of required documents, allowing online DPR submission after completing the first 12 design chapters, and making cost and financial chapters non-mandatory for approval. Off-stream Hydro PSPs no longer need alternative location plans for reservoirs. Developers must provide an undertaking that the DPR aligns with pre-DPR clearances, eliminating the need for re-examination and saving 4-5 months. Early excavation permissions at developers’ risk and cost are streamlined, potentially saving 6-8 months in project execution. Developers are also advised to submit investigation reports promptly for parallel appraisals, saving 1-2 months.