Amaravati, the top Selru power station in Andhra Pradesh, which has a 240 MW hydropower facility, will undergo a major transformation by 2029 with the setting up of a 1,350 MW storage facility, the government said.
“The Upper Celeru region is set to undergo a major transformation with the development of a large-scale pumped storage project. This project, currently under implementation, will have a total capacity of 1,350 MW and consist of nine inverter units of 150 MW each,” a press release from the state energy ministry said on Tuesday.
Pumped storage systems represent a crucial advance in modern energy management, including pumping water from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir using reversible turbine pump units during periods of surplus electricity availability, particularly through renewable sources such as solar and wind energy.
When demand rises or renewable generation declines, the stored water is released back into the lower reservoir to generate electricity, the press release stated.
“This mechanism effectively transforms the project into a grid-scale energy storage system, often described as a battery for the grid. By storing excess energy and supplying it during peak demand, the system enhances grid stability, reduces energy waste, and enables greater integration of renewable energy into the power grid.”
Globally, pumped storage technology has proven to be one of the most reliable and efficient methods for large-scale energy storage. With the growing share of intermittent renewable energy in India’s energy mix, such projects have become indispensable, the statement said.
Once operational, the Upper Celeru pumped storage facility will significantly enhance the power infrastructure of Andhra Pradesh.
This will not only improve peak load management, but will also support the state’s transition toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
“At its core, the Upper Sileru Power House represents a unique combination of legacy strength and future readiness, a project that has stood the test of time while continuing to evolve to meet the energy challenges of tomorrow,” the press release said.
The old 240 MW Upper Sileru Power House is one of the oldest and most reliable hydroelectric power stations in the southern state.
Although the project has been in operation for more than six decades, it still plays a pivotal role in the state’s power generation network, harnessing the waters of the Sileru River through a dam constructed at Guntawada, located about nine miles below the Ballymela Reservoir.
With an average annual rainfall of approximately 1,388 mm in the catchment area, the project enjoys a continuous flow of water, ensuring consistent power generation.
It was developed in two phases, the first phase including two units of 60 MW each, and was commissioned during 1967-1968 while the second phase, completed in 1994-1995, added two more units of 60 MW.
The first stage turbines are equipped with vertical Francis turbine generators. The first stage turbines were sourced from Excherwyss & Charmilles of Switzerland, while the generators were supplied by Oerlikon, reflecting the adoption of advanced international technology at the time of construction.
While the modules of the second phase were developed and supplied locally by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, demonstrating rising local manufacturing capabilities in the power sector.
With an annual power generation potential of approximately 575 million units, Upper Sileru Power House has consistently achieved its performance targets, the press release said.
“It is remarkable that even after exceeding its designed operating life of 35 years, the plant continues to deliver reliable production,” she added.
This sustained performance is attributable to systematic renovation and modernization initiatives, coupled with stringent maintenance practices implemented at regular intervals, the press release added.
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