Bhubaneswar; Showcasing the vision for Odisha 2036 in the budget, CM mohan Charan Majhi has introduced the concept of Pumped Storage projects in Odisha. This will prove a gamechanger in the power storage scenario in the State.
This ‘Power Play’ in budget is considered a big step in bringing more renewable resources onto the grid projects.
Announcing in the Budget, the CM said it will provide a key tool to maintain a stable and balanced grid in terms of quick and black start capability, regulation, frequency response and voltage support.
Under the new power play, the budget announces that Odisha Hydro Power Corporation (OHPC) is developing 600 MW Upper Indravati Pumped Storage Project at Mukhiguda, 500 MW Balimela Pumped Storage Project at Balimela and 600 MW Upper Kolab Pumped Storage Project at Bariniput in its existing Hydro Electric plants.
Towards this objective, the budget made an allocation of Rs.110 crore is allocated as Loan to OHPC for Pumped Storage Projects under Odisha Akshaya Shakti Bikash Yojana (OASBY).
WHAT ARE PUMPED STORAGE PROJECTS?
Pumped storage hydropower is the most dominant form of energy storage on the electric grid today.
As per studies, it is the most competitive and reliable way of storing electricity, enabling both the efficient use of surplus energy and the returning of a significant amount of energy back on the grid.
A stanfors University study outlines its advantages.
It says pumped-storage hydroelectricity was one of the most efficient, as over its life cycle a plant can store 210 times more energy than was needed to build it.
See the images below.
BIG GREEN POWER PLAY
The Budget showing its green intent has announced its commitment to implement PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana in letter and spirit.
- In order to increase coverage and encourage the beneficiaries to adopt the scheme,
- Additional State Financial Assistance up to Rs.60,000 will be provided up to 3 kW capacity to match the Central Assistance.
- Budget provide an allocation of Rs.890 crore in 2025-26 under Odisha Akshaya Shakti Bikash Yojana (OASBY) for providing additional State assistance under PM Surya Ghar scheme.
GREEN HYDROGEN
The budget announced a vision plan to make Odisha a leading producer of Green Hydrogen/ Green Ammonia for decarbonization of industries and heavy transport sector.
- Odisha govt entered into an MoU with IIT Bhubaneswar for establishing a Testing-cum-Research facility for Green Hydrogen.
- Announces setting up of a Centre of Excellence for Green Hydrogen.
- Announced taking up a pilot project for extraction of green hydrogen from Sodium Hypochlorite plant for resource optimisation and green hydrogen generation.
- Rs.85 crore allocated in 2025-26 under Odisha Akshaya Shakti Bikash Yojana (OASBY) towards development for Green Hydrogen / Green Ammonia Projects.
