India's Ambitious Target of 100 GW Pumped Storage Hydropower by 2035-36

Key Facts

• India has set a target to develop 100 GW of pumped storage hydropower (PSH) capacity by the financial year 2035-36.
• As of December 2025, India operated 10 pumped storage projects with a total capacity of about 7.2 GW, and 10 more under construction with a combined capacity of approximately 11.6 GW.
• Total installed hydropower capacity in India reached about 56,336 MW by 2025, including pumped storage capacity of 7,175.6 MW as of January 2026.
• India’s technically and economically exploitable hydroelectric potential is estimated at around 148,701 MW, plus approximately 6,780 MW from smaller hydro schemes.
• The identified pumped storage potential in India stands at approximately 288 GW, making it among the highest global potentials.
• The Government of India allocated INR 12,461 crore for hydroelectric and pumped storage projects in 2024 as part of plans to add over 31 GW of capacity by 2031-32.
• Significant projects include the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh targeting 11,000 MW capacity.
• India’s non-fossil fuel power capacity target is 500 GW by 2030 and is projected to reach 701 GW by 2035.

Background & Context

Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH) is a form of hydroelectric energy storage that utilizes two reservoirs at different elevations. During periods of low electricity demand, excess power is used to pump water to an upper reservoir. During peak demand, water is released back to the lower reservoir to generate electricity. This enables grid stability and integration of variable renewable energy such as solar and wind.

India's push for 100 GW PSH by 2035-36 supports its ambitious renewable energy growth trajectory and energy storage needs. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA), under the Ministry of Power, released a detailed roadmap in January 2026 emphasizing phased capacity additions, state-wise potential assessments, and policy reforms supporting off-stream closed-loop reservoirs to aid grid resilience and clean energy transition.

These efforts align with the International Hydropower Association's 2026 Global Hydropower Outlook, which highlights the increasing importance of ‘‘water battery’’ projects worldwide, and India’s role as a leading player given its substantial pumped storage potential.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

This information is crucial for topics related to India’s energy sector, renewable energy policies, and sustainable development, commonly covered in civil services and other competitive examinations. Key institutional roles (e.g., Ministry of Power, Central Electricity Authority), numeric targets, timelines, and technological aspects of pumped storage hydropower are important for answering environment and polity-related questions.

Understanding India’s energy storage strategies aids in grasping the country’s approach towards meeting its climate goals, ensuring energy security, and handling grid variability due to renewables.

Points to Remember

• Target year: Financial Year 2035-36 for 100 GW PSH capacity.
• Current installed pumped storage capacity: ~7.2 GW (as of Dec 2025).
• Projects under construction: ~11.6 GW.
• Identified PSH potential in India: ~288 GW, one of the largest globally.
• Key ministry: Ministry of Power; roadmap prepared by Central Electricity Authority (CEA).
• Funding allocated: INR 12,461 crore for hydroelectric and pumped storage projects in 2024.
• Role of pumped storage: grid balancing, integrating solar and wind, maintaining power supply during peak demands.
• Notable project: Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (11,000 MW capacity) in Arunachal Pradesh.
• India’s non-fossil fuel capacity goal: 500 GW by 2030, 701 GW by 2035.