In a significant move towards advancing renewable energy in India, SJVN Limited, a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE), has signed two landmark Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Government of Maharashtra. These agreements pave the way for the development of both Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) and Floating Solar Projects (FSPs), promising to transform the energy landscape of the state.

The two MoUs were signed on September 26, 2024, in Mumbai, with Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, in attendance. The agreement between SJVN and the Maharashtra government marks a significant step in the state’s renewable energy ambitions. The energy projects aim to address grid stability, peak electricity demand, and the increasing need for clean energy.

The first of these MoUs involves the development of five massive Pumped Storage Projects, totaling a capacity of 8100 MW. SJVN, represented by Chairman and Managing Director Sushil Sharma, signed the agreement with Deepak Kapoor, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Water Resources Department of Maharashtra. This partnership will help develop PSPs that will play a pivotal role in stabilizing the grid by storing excess energy for use during high-demand periods. The projects, located in Kolmondapada, Sidgarh, Chornai, Baitarni, and Jalvara, are poised to generate substantial energy while also contributing to Maharashtra’s overall energy security.

The second MoU, between SJVN and the Maharashtra State Power Generation Company (MAHAGENCO), focuses on the construction of a 505 MW Floating Solar Project at the Lower Wardha Dam. This project will be developed in two phases, with the first phase delivering 100 MW and the second contributing an additional 405 MW. Floating solar installations have emerged as an innovative solution to the challenges of land acquisition and are expected to optimize the use of the existing infrastructure in the region.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis applauded the initiative, expressing full governmental support for timely execution and completion of these transformative projects. He noted that these MoUs represent a critical juncture in Maharashtra’s journey towards clean, sustainable energy, calling them a “new chapter in energy infrastructure” for the state.

In addition to providing clean energy, these projects are expected to have a ripple effect on local economies. The estimated investment of ₹48,000 crores will generate approximately 8,400 direct and indirect jobs, bolstering economic activity in Maharashtra. Moreover, the developments will also support eco-tourism and skill development initiatives, benefiting local communities. The potential for long-term environmental and economic benefits underpins the importance of these projects.

Industry experts have weighed in on the significance of these agreements. According to renewable energy analysts, the combination of PSPs and Floating Solar Projects represents a modern approach to India’s energy crisis, incorporating both efficient energy storage and new generation technologies. With energy consumption rising in India, these projects are likely to play a crucial role in stabilizing power grids and reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.

The pumped storage projects are particularly promising due to their ability to store and dispatch energy when needed most. They can provide energy during peak hours by releasing stored water from upper reservoirs to lower ones, generating electricity when demand spikes. This makes them an essential tool in managing renewable energy’s intermittent nature.

The Floating Solar Project at the Lower Wardha Dam will help Maharashtra leverage its water resources for energy generation, minimizing land usage and reducing environmental footprints. Floating solar technology is being recognized globally for its potential to combat the challenges associated with land scarcity, especially in densely populated regions like India.

SJVN, a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Himachal Pradesh, has continued to expand its presence in renewable energy with this major development in Maharashtra. As the global push for clean energy intensifies, such projects will be instrumental in achieving India’s renewable energy targets.

SJVN’s Renewable Energy Push in Maharashtra

With the government’s ambitious renewable energy targets, these projects are a testament to SJVN’s leadership in the energy sector. The company has been making strategic moves to diversify its portfolio, from hydropower to wind, solar, and now innovative storage solutions. SJVN’s partnerships with local and state governments underscore its commitment to advancing India’s clean energy infrastructure.

Expert insights on SJVN’s Role in Renewable Energy

According to energy sector analysts, these projects exemplify how India’s CPSEs are taking a leading role in driving the country’s renewable energy future. They highlight that large-scale energy storage solutions, like pumped storage, are critical to supporting the growing adoption of renewable power by ensuring stability in the grid.

The government of Maharashtra has committed to providing all necessary support to ensure these projects are completed promptly. The backing from both the state and central governments will be key to SJVN’s success in rolling out these innovative energy solutions that will shape the future of power in Maharashtra.

  Baitarni, Chornai, Deepak Kapoor, Devendra Fadnavis, Jalvara, Kolmondapada, Lower Wardha Dam, MAHAGENCO, Maharashtra, Mumbai, Sidgarh, SJVN Limited, Sushil Sharma