Dr. Shikha Mishra
Board approves DPR for energy storage initiative, alongside electromechanical and hydromechanical works for 300-MW multipurpose project
Lead Reporting
DEHRADUN, October 13: Uttarakhand has taken another step towards strengthening its energy infrastructure, with the Board of Directors of Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (UJVN Ltd) approving the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed 600-MW Ichhari Pumped Storage Project. The board also cleared key electromechanical works for the 300-MW Lakwar Multipurpose Project, advancing two significant initiatives aimed at supporting the state's future power requirements.
The decisions were taken at the 136th meeting of UJVN Ltd's Board of Directors, held at the Secretariat under the chairmanship of Anand Bardhan, Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand and Chairman of the corporation. The meeting considered and approved several proposals concerning major infrastructure projects, financial management, personnel welfare and institutional governance.
Announcing the decisions, UJVN Ltd Managing Director Ajay Kumar Singh said efforts were continuing under the Chief Minister's leadership to expand Uttarakhand's electricity generation capacity and meet its future energy needs.
Ichhari project to strengthen energy storage capacity
The approval of the DPR for the 600-MW Ichhari Pumped Storage Project marks an important step towards developing energy storage infrastructure in the state. According to Singh, the project is expected to generate approximately 1,246 million units of electricity annually during peak-demand hours, helping improve power availability when electricity consumption is at its highest.
Pumped storage technology allows electricity to be stored indirectly by using surplus power to pump water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir. When demand rises, the stored water is released through turbines to generate electricity. This enables energy to be shifted from periods of lower demand or surplus generation to periods when additional power is required.
The technology can play an increasingly important role as renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, contribute a growing share of electricity generation. Surplus electricity can potentially be used to pump water uphill, allowing the stored energy to be recovered during periods of higher demand or lower renewable generation.
For Uttarakhand, the proposed project could strengthen grid flexibility, improve the management of peak-hour demand and enhance energy security. Greater availability of stored electricity may also reduce the need to procure power from other states or institutions during expensive peak-demand periods.
However, the project's actual economic benefits will depend on factors including its capital and operating costs, electricity procurement requirements, prevailing power tariffs and operational performance. The board's approval of the DPR represents a significant planning milestone, while further steps will be required to advance the project towards implementation.
Lakwar project moves forward with approval of key works
In another important decision, the board approved a proposal concerning electromechanical works for the 300-MW Lakwar Multipurpose Project. It also cleared the proposal to prepare tenders for various hydromechanical works associated with the project.
The approvals are expected to facilitate the next stages of project-related work and help advance the implementation process.
The Lakwar project is among the major hydroelectric infrastructure initiatives associated with Uttarakhand's power development plans. Progress on its electromechanical and hydromechanical components is important for moving the project through its successive implementation stages.
The latest decisions reflect UJVN Ltd's continued focus on advancing major hydropower infrastructure while strengthening the state's capacity to respond to future electricity demand.
Focus on employee welfare and financial accountability
Beyond infrastructure development, the board approved a proposal concerning ex gratia compensation for employees who are not covered under the pension scheme. The decision reflects the corporation's attention to personnel-related matters and employee welfare.
The board also approved the proposal for appointing a statutory auditor for the financial year 2026–27 and the cost audit report for the financial year 2025–26. These measures form part of the corporation's financial oversight and compliance framework.
In addition, the board approved UJVN Ltd's Information and Cyber Security Policy, underscoring the importance of safeguarding information systems and strengthening institutional preparedness against cyber risks.
Senior officials participate in board meeting
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Energy, Dr R. Meenakshi Sundaram; Secretary, Finance, Dilip Jawalkar; independent directors Indu Kumar Pandey and Parag Gupta; UJVN Ltd Director (Operations) G.S. Budiyal; and Executive Directors Sudhakar Badoni and Ashish Kumar Jain, among other senior officials.
The board's decisions bring together three important areas of the corporation's responsibilities: expanding power infrastructure, maintaining financial and administrative accountability, and addressing employee welfare.
With the Ichhari pumped storage project moving forward at the DPR approval stage and key works for the Lakwar project receiving clearance, UJVN Ltd is seeking to strengthen the foundations of Uttarakhand's future electricity supply. The ultimate contribution of these initiatives will depend on their subsequent approvals, execution and operational performance, but the latest board decisions mark progress in the state's longer-term energy planning.
