Nestled in the picturesque Nilgiri Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kundah Underground Pumped Storage Hydroelectric power project is being executed by MEIL. This project utilizes pumped storage hydropower technology, which harnesses the potential energy of water stored at high elevations.
One of the significant structures of the project are the two reservoirs— Porthimund, the upper reservoir and Avalanche- Emerald, the lower reservoir.
When the electricity demand hits its peak, the water flows from the upper reservoir through underground tunnels, spinning turbines in the power house to generate clean electricity.
In off-peak hours, surplus electricity from the grid is used to pump water back from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir, effectively storing energy for future use.
Also this project significantly reduces reliance on fossil fuels by generating renewable hydropower and the ability to store and release energy as needed helps regulate the power grid and ensure a consistent power supply for the state of Tamil Nadu.
A unique feature of the Kundah project is its underground powerhouse, which minimizes environmental impact and preserves the visual integrity of the stunning Nilgiri landscape.
Once fully operational, this project is expected to generate approximately 3 million units of clean power daily, significantly contributing to Tamil Nadu’s renewable energy goals.