Why in the news?

The Union Budget for 2024-25 announced that “a policy will be introduced to promote pumped storage projects aimed at electricity storage and ensuring the seamless integration of the increasing share of renewable energy.

Why is renewable power generation subject to variations and weather changes?

• Due to Intermittent nature: Renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind, are inherently intermittent. Solar energy is only available during daylight hours and is affected by weather conditions such as cloud cover, while wind energy varies with wind speed and direction. This variability leads to fluctuations in power generation, making it challenging to match supply with demand consistently.
• Daily and Seasonal Variations: The generation capacity of renewable sources can change significantly over short periods (hours to days) and longer periods (seasonal). For instance, solar power generation peaks during sunny days and drops to zero at night, while wind power can vary greatly depending on seasonal weather patterns.

Significance of Pumped Storage Projects

• Grid Stabilization: Pumped storage projects are critical for stabilizing the power grid by addressing the variability and intermittency of renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
• Energy Storage Capacity: PSPs account for over 94% of the installed global energy storage capacity, making them the most widely used technology for large-scale energy storage.
• Flexible Energy Generation: These projects can provide both base load and peaking power, offering flexibility in energy generation.  
• Environmental Benefits: Pumped storage is a clean and environmentally friendly technology.
• Economic Viability: The cost of energy from pumped storage is competitive compared to other energy storage technologies.

How do Power Managers decide which energy source to use?

• Use of forecasting Techniques: Power managers utilize advanced forecasting techniques to predict renewable energy generation based on expected weather conditions. This allows them to plan the operation of different power plants in advance, ensuring a steady supply of electricity.
• Demand and Supply Management: Decisions on which energy source to use are based on real-time demand and the availability of renewable energy. When there is a surplus of renewable energy (e.g., during sunny or windy periods), it may be used to pump water in pumped storage systems. Conversely, when renewable generation is low, power managers may rely on more stable sources like hydro, coal, or nuclear power to meet demand.

Where are some of the Pumped Storage Projects of India situated?

• Kadamparai: Located in Tamil Nadu, this facility has a capacity of 400 MW and operates by pumping water to a higher reservoir during periods of surplus power generation.
• Other Notable Projects: India has several other pumped storage projects, including those at Nagarjunasagar, Kadana, and Panchet. These facilities contribute to managing the variability of renewable energy generation in the country.

How do the reservoirs in Kadamparai, Tamil Nadu operate?

• The Kadamparai pumped storage plant consists of two reservoirs at different elevations. Water is pumped from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir when there is surplus power available, typically from solar or wind sources.
• When demand rises, especially during peak evening hours, water flows from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir, turning turbines to generate electricity. This operation allows the plant to provide power for three to four hours during peak demand periods, effectively stabilizing the grid.
• The plant can switch between pumping and generating modes, allowing it to respond quickly to changes in power demand. This flexibility is crucial for integrating variable renewable energy sources into the grid.

Conclusion: The need to Develop a robust and flexible grid infrastructure that can efficiently handle the integration of renewable energy sources is crucial. Implementing smart grid technologies, including real-time monitoring, advanced forecasting techniques, and automated demand-response systems, can optimize the balance between supply and demand.

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