New Delhi, Oct. 19 -- India has identified 345.38 gigawatts (GW) of pumped storage hydropower potential, but only 7.43 GW is currently operational, highlighting the need to accelerate capacity addition to support the country's growing renewable energy sector.

According to a Press Information Bureau (PIB) note, India has identified 320 pumped storage projects, of which 11 projects with a combined capacity of 15.87 GW are under construction or implementation.

The expansion of solar and wind power has increased the need for energy storage to balance fluctuations in electricity generation and meet peak demand, particularly during evening hours.

Pumped storage hydropower works like a large battery. It uses surplus electricity to pump water ...