Greenko has reached a significant breakthrough with the successful wet commissioning of Unit #1 in pump mode at its Pinnapuram pumped storage project in Andhra Pradesh, India.
This achievement marks a pivotal step in the development of the Pinnapuram Integrated Renewable Energy Project (IREP), an initiative that combines solar, wind, and pumped storage capabilities to provide schedulable and dispatchable renewable power on demand for the first time in India.
The Pinnapuram IREP includes a 1000MW solar plant, a 550MW wind facility, and a 1200MW standalone pumped storage component in its first phase, with plans for future expansion. Approved by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, the project has the capacity to scale up to 3000MW solar, 2000MW wind, and 2400MW of pumped storage as demand grows.
Strategically located in Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh, the pumped storage component of Pinnapuram IREP utilizes a closed-loop system with two newly constructed reservoirs in natural depressions. Unlike traditional reservoirs, these do not rely on existing water bodies and have negligible catchment areas. Instead, water is initially sourced from the Gorakallu Reservoir irrigation system and will be cycled continuously for energy generation, with periodic top-ups to offset evaporation losses.
The Pinnapuram PSP site covers approximately 714 hectares, including space for the powerhouse complex and intake structures. The upper and lower reservoirs are enclosed by extensive rockfill dams and house advanced infrastructure, including six tunnels and a subsurface powerhouse with eight variable speed reversible turbines.
In line with the project’s environmental and social commitments, Greenko has outlined comprehensive management strategies to address potential ecological impacts, including plans for compensatory afforestation, catchment area treatment, and necessary rehabilitation and resettlement efforts.
