CEA gives green light to Sharavathi pumped storage project

View of the Linganamakki Dam built on the Sharavati River. The proposed plant will harness the existing river system of the Sharavathi River to efficiently store and generate electricity. | Photo Credit: File Photo

After overcoming legal hurdles, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has approved the detailed project report (DPR) for the 2,000 megawatt (MW) Sharavathi pumped storage and hydropower project in Shivamogga and Uttara Kannada districts. With this, work on the project is expected to begin soon.

“The Sharavathi Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Power Plant is poised to play a crucial role in the state’s energy landscape, providing a reliable solution to balance grid stability and meet peak electricity demands. With a substantial capacity of 2,000 MW, the plant will tap the existing Sharavathi river system to store and generate electricity efficiently,” Energy Minister KJ George said on Friday.

Earlier this year, Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) awarded the ₹8,005 crore tender for the project to Hyderabad-based infrastructure firm Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL).

Soon after, Larsen and Toubro Ltd (L&T), Mumbai, had argued before the court that only 21 days were provided for submission of tender bids by KPCL, whereas the minimum period of 30 days should be provided for bids exceeding ₹2 crore as per the Karnataka Public Procurement Transparency Rules, 2000.

While a single judge had dismissed the company’s petition, a bench comprising Chief Justice N. V. Anjaria and Justice Krishna S. Dixit had passed an interim order on March 11, staying all actions relating to the tender and directing all parties to maintain status quo. In its final verdict delivered on April 25, the High Court dismissed L&T’s petition and ruled in favour of KPCL.

According to sources, MEIL will now continue work on the project. “Pumped storage hydroelectric projects like the Sharavathi pumped storage power plant are known for their flexibility and ability to adapt to fluctuations in power demand. During periods of low demand, water is pumped from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir. When demand peaks, water from the upper reservoir is released to generate electricity, providing a reliable and efficient energy solution,” officials from the power ministry said.