Karnataka Power Corporation Limited is making a significant steps toward generating clean energy. A 2000 MW pumped storage power project on the Sharavthi River. It's like a giant battery for electricity. This project is a huge step forward for making sure there's enough electricity for people in Karnataka.
MEIL, known for its creative approach and advanced technology in completing unique projects, will be executing the Sharavthi Pumped Storage Project. With our innovative methods and skills, we will help bring clean energy to Karnataka.
First, let's understand what Pumped Storage Hydropower is.
Pumped storage hydroelectric projects are now most preferred because they can change easily to match how much electricity we need. When we don't need much power, water is moved up to a high place. But when lots of power is needed, water goes down to make electricity. It's like a smart way to control when we have electricity, making sure we always have enough when we need it.
Pumped storage hydropower is a special way to store hydro electric energy. From two water reservoirs one upper reservoir and lower reservoir, located at different elevations that can generate power as water moves down from one to another, which functions as discharge, passing through the motor turbines. It also requires power at it pumps water back into the upper reservoir to recharge. This setup is like having a giant water battery that helps us have electricity whenever it is needed.
Sharavati River starts in the Western Ghats and flows west through Karnataka for 130 km before reaching the Arabian Sea. The Western Ghats are vital, feeding many rivers and sustaining peninsular Indian states. The Linganamakki reservoir on the Sharavathi River powers the Sharavathi Hydel project, using water to generate energy.
As the Western Ghats are in hilly terrains, there is no scope for irrigation as the water flows to downstream into the Arabian Sea after power generation at the Lingamakki dam. To utilise this water new Pumped storage power projects is been executed.
This Sharavathi Pumped Storage power project will be built between two existing reservoirs. The Talakalale dam, which stands at 62.48 meters tall, will be the upper reservoir. This dam currently helps balance water for the existing Sharavathy hydroelectric project. The Gerusoppa dam, will be the lower reservoir and it is about 64 meters tall.
The Liganamakhi dam across the river is really important for managing the water in the Sharavathy river. It helps control the flow of water and also has structures to divert water, along with four power stations to generate electricity.
The pumped storage project is all about making more electricity using a clever method. It works by pumping water through eight special power plants. Each of these plants can make 250 megawatts of power. This project, with its aim to generate 2,000 megawatts of power, will be the biggest of its kind in the country.