The project is expected to generate nearly 4 TWh/year, and will contribute significantly to India’s energy transition goals, while ensuring a stable and resilient power supply, the utility said. In addition to reinforcing the renewable energy infrastructure of Chhattisgarh, the plant will also drive economic growth, attract investments and create direct and indirect job opportunities in the region, said SJVN. The project is anticipated to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities for around 5000 people during construction and development phases.
This follows the signing in December 2024 of an MoU with the Government of Bihar for the 1000 MW Hathidah Durgawati project. SJVN was appointed in August 2022 by the Ministry of Power as the nodal agency for developing pumped-storage projects in Bihar. Four projects were subsequently allotted by the Government of Bihar to SJVN.
After conducting ranking studies of the Telharkund (400 MW), Sinafdar (345 MW), Panchgotia (225 MW) and Hathidah Durgawati projects, SJVN prepared a feasibility study for Hathidah Durgawati, which was identified as the most viable of the four schemes. Proposed for the river Durgawati in the district of Kaimur, its cost has been estimated at INR 56.63 billion (US$ 651.3 million), with a levelized tariff of INR 9.39 (US$ 0.108)/kWh, assuming a pumping energy rate of INR 3 (US$ 0.03)/kWh, based on February 2024 price levels.
SJVN is emerging as one of the country’s leading state-owned developers of pumped-storage capacity, with a pipeline of: nearly 15 GW, including eight projects totalling 11.32 GW in Maharashtra: Kolmondapada (800 MW), Sidgarh (1500 MW), Chornai (2000 MW), Baitarni (1800 MW), Varasgaon (1200 MW), Panshet (1600 MW) and Kodali (220 MW) projects; the 2220 MW Jalvara scheme across the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka, the 2400 MW Darzo Lui project in Mizoram; and three projects in Himachal Pradesh, Sunni (645 MW), Dhurmu (400 MW), and Sadda (180 MW).
Pre-feasibility reports (PFRs) are being prepared for Varasgaon, Panshet and Kodali, which are planned to be developed through a joint venture with Mahagenco. Allotment of the Jalvara and Darzo Lui projects is under discussion with the state governments. PFRs for the Sunni, Dhurmu and Sadda schemes have been prepared, but the project tariff is considered to be too high.
