India Targets 100 GW Pumped Storage Capacity as Hydropower Emerges as ‘Water Battery’: IHA Report
India plans to develop 100 GW of pumped storage hydropower by 2035-36 as global focus shifts towards energy storage solutions supporting renewable power. Guwahati, June 24: India is aiming to develop 100 gigawatts (GW) of pumped storage hydropower capacity by 2035-36 , according to the 2026 Global Hydropower Outlook released by the International Hydropower Association (IHA) . The report describes pumped storage hydropower as a "water battery" , highlighting its growing importance in storing surplus electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar and wind and supplying power when demand increases. Unlike conventional batteries, pumped storage plants store energy by pumping water to an elevated reservoir during periods of excess electricity generation. When electricity demand rises, the stored water is released through turbines to generate power, helping stabilise the electricity grid. According to the report, India's proposed expansion is expected to pla...