BBMB Invites Bids for 4.3 GW Pumped Storage Projects in Himachal Pradesh
The Bhakhra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has invited bids for the development of 4,300 MW of pumped storage projects (PSPs) in Himachal Pradesh under the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) mode. The move marks a major step toward strengthening India’s long-duration energy storage capacity and supporting large-scale renewable energy integration.
BBMB is a statutory body under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, responsible for the operation, maintenance, and management of the Bhakhra, Pong, and Nangal reservoirs. These reservoirs are critical to irrigation, flood control, and power supply across northern India.
BBMB has identified eight pumped storage sites across the Bhakhra–Beas river system with a total potential capacity of around 13,000 MW. Out of these, two projects have now been taken forward for bidding:
- Pong Pumped Storage Project – 2,800 MW (District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh)
- Bhakhra Pumped Storage Project – 1,500 MW (District Una, Himachal Pradesh)
Together, these projects will add 4.3 GW of flexible, dispatchable capacity to the northern grid.
Project Configuration and Cost
As per feasibility study reports prepared in 2022:
- The Pong PSP will have an installed capacity of 2,800 MW (8 × 350 MW) with an estimated cost of ₹10,648.87 crore.
- The Bhakhra PSP will have an installed capacity of 1,500 MW (6 × 250 MW) and an estimated cost of ₹7,178.59 crore.
Both projects will utilize existing reservoir infrastructure, helping reduce land acquisition challenges and environmental impact compared to greenfield hydro projects.
Bidder Eligibility Criteria
To participate, bidders must have developed, constructed, and operationalized projects in at least one of the following sectors: hydropower, pumped storage, power generation, power transmission, or large infrastructure. In addition, bidders are required to demonstrate a minimum net worth of ₹10 billion (₹1,000 crore) in the last financial year.
Pumped Storage Dominates Energy Storage Pipeline
Pumped storage continues to be the backbone of India’s energy storage plans. Of the over 81 GW of PSP capacity currently in the national pipeline, around 12.4 GW is under construction, 3.3 GW is in the pre-construction stage, nearly 2.4 GW is under examination after DPR submission, and about 63 GW remains in the survey and investigation phase.
Urja Kranti India View
The BBMB’s 4.3 GW tender highlights the growing role of pumped storage in ensuring grid stability, peak power supply, and efficient utilization of solar and wind energy. Strategically located in Himachal Pradesh, the Pong and Bhakhra PSPs are expected to play a key role in supporting India’s transition toward a reliable, renewable-heavy power system.
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