After commissioning the second phase of the Tehri dam — the 2400 mega watt (mw) Tehri multipurpose hydel project, the THDC India Ltd (THDCIL) is now focusing on the third and last phase of the dam through pumped a storage plant (PSP) scheme to generate 1000 mw of power.
The PSP scheme, which involves recycling of water, is considered to be unique in the hydropower sector and is first of its kind in India.
For this purpose, THDCIL has signed an agreement of Rs 1842 crore with a consortium of power majors like Alstom Hydro France, Alstom Project India Ltd and Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) for engineering procurement and construction (EPC)/turnkey execution of Tehri pumped storage plant (4x250 mw).
The pact was signed yesterday between THDC India Ltd and the three power in the presence of R S T Sai, CMD, THDCIL and other senior officials.
The project is scheduled to be completed in a period of 54 months, during the 12th plan. Tehri PSP, comprising four reversible turbine of 250 mw each, would involve construction of an underground machine hall on the left bank of river Bhagirathi.
The main feature of the project is the large variation of about 90 metres between the maximum and minimum head, under which the reversible units shall operate, said a THDCIL spokesperson.
The operation of Tehri PSP is based on the concept of recycling of water discharged from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir.
The Tehri dam reservoir shall function as the upper reservoir and Koteshwar reservoir as the lower balancing reservoir.
On completion, additional generating capacity of 1000 mw peaking power, will be added to the northern grid (annual generation of 1377 million units).
The company commissioned the second phase of the Tehri project -- 400 mw Koteshwar dam to add a total of 1400 mw to its capacity in March.
Besides hydropower, the company recently decided to diversify into thermal sector also. THDCIL, a mini ratna company, has already signed a memorandum of understanding with the Uttar Pradesh government to set up 1320 mw Khurja super thermal power plant in Bulandshahar area.
