Patna:The state government has granted conditional approval for the use of water from the Sakri river for two proposed pumped storage hydropower projects in Nawada district, officials said.
The projects are planned in the remote and hilly Rajouli block of the district and are expected to generate a combined 2,120 megawatts (MW) of electricity.
Two projects proposed in Rajouli
According to officials, one project will have a capacity of 1,200 MW, while the second will generate 920 MW.
The Water Resources Department has permitted the project developer to draw water from the Sakri river subject to specified conditions.
For both projects together, the company will be allowed to draw 0.321 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water at one time. In addition, approval has been granted for annual withdrawal of 0.05 TMC water.
Projects to function like large-scale energy storage systems
Pumped storage hydropower projects operate like large-scale energy storage systems or batteries.
During the daytime, surplus solar power is used to pump water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir. The stored water is later released downhill to run turbines and generate electricity when demand rises.
Officials said the projects would produce green energy and are expected to become among Bihar’s largest renewable energy initiatives.
Conditions imposed on water usage
The company implementing the projects will be responsible for developing water storage infrastructure.
Officials said water will be drawn from the river during the non-monsoon period between January and May. Any water discharged back into the river after use will have to be treated before release.
Since the river water is being allocated for industrial use, the developer will also be required to pay the applicable water usage charges, or water tax.
