Guwahati: With an aim to diversify towards alternative sources of energy, the Union Ministry of Coal is planning to develop Pump Storage Projects (PSP) in de-coaled coal mines.
According to government officials, planning is underway to utilize solar energy to develop hydroelectricity promoting development. This initiative aims to harness solar energy during the day and generate hydro-electricity at night. According to the International Hydropower Association, pumped hydro projects worldwide store up to 9,000 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity.
More than 20 abandoned mines have been identified for evaluation and feasibility study for pump storage projects, stated a government release. According to government officials, at least 200 de-coaled mines with huge land areas are available in coal-producing areas.
Directions have also been given for stakeholders’ consultation with agencies who may be interested in undertaking such projects and to identify additional sites that can be used for setting up of pump storage projects.
Business models like EPC and PPP may be finalized in consultation with stakeholders, the Ministry said in a release.
According to the Central government, such initiatives will help promote sustainable development and reduce carbon footprint in the coal sector.
It is worth mentioning here that pumped storage power plants use gravity to generate electricity using water that has previously been pumped from a reservoir in the pit into an upper reservoir on the surface. During periods of low demand, the water is pumped into the higher reservoir. When demand is high, the water is released to drive a turbine in a powerhouse and feed electricity into the grid.
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