In what context is the term pumped-storage hydropower appropriately and currently discussed?

Long duration energy storage. The answer is long duration energy storage. The US DOE calls pumped-storage hydropower a proven energy storage technology. The Ministry of Power links PSPs to long-duration energy storage and balancing power. UPSC asked this in Question 38 of its 2024 General Studies Paper I, Set A. The UPSC key for Series A gives (c). Read more: SciTech0147 — Pumped-Storage Hydropower.

Which feature separates a closed-loop pumped-storage plant from an open-loop one?

It is not continuously connected to a naturally flowing body of water. A closed-loop plant is not continuously connected to a naturally flowing body of water. The DOE says open-loop plants are typically cheaper because only one reservoir is built. PNNL finds closed-loop effects are generally lower. Their main aquatic effect is an initial draw of surface water to fill the reservoirs. Read more: SciTech0147 — Pumped-Storage Hydropower.

According to the PIB report of 20 July 2026, what ISTS charge waiver applies to PSPs awarded by 30 June 2028?

100% waiver for 25 years from commercial operation. The PIB of 20 Jul 2026 reports a 100% ISTS waiver for 25 years. It comes from a CERC notification of 26 June 2025. An earlier order of 23 Nov 2021 gave 25 years for PSPs and 12 years for BESS. The PIB of 23 Dec 2023 had described a part waiver in steps of 25%. The later notification is the one to use. Read more: SciTech0147 — Pumped-Storage Hydropower.

Which statement about Viability Gap Funding (VGF) in India's storage policy is correct, as reported by the PIB?

VGF schemes support battery storage; the PIB said in Dec 2023 there were no plans for PSPs. The PIB of 9 Mar 2026 describes two VGF schemes for about 43.8 GWh of BESS. The PIB of 23 Dec 2023 says the levelised cost of storage of PSPs is viable. So there were no plans for VGF for PSPs. PSPs get budgetary support for enabling infrastructure such as roads, ropeways and transmission lines. Read more: SciTech0147 — Pumped-Storage Hydropower.

What is the status of Kundah in Tamil Nadu, as per the PIB of July 2026 and the CEA?

A 500 MW PSP under construction, targeted for Feb 2027. Kundah Stages I, II and III total 500 MW and are under construction. The PIB gives the target as Feb 2027. The 400 MW operating plant in Tamil Nadu is Kadamparai. Pinnapuram is the off-stream closed-loop plant commissioned in 2025-26 (CEA unit dates June to October 2025). Read more: SciTech0147 — Pumped-Storage Hydropower.

According to the International Hydropower Association, how much pumped-storage capacity existed worldwide in 2024?

189 GW. The IHA says global pumped storage reached 189 GW in 2024. It added 8.4 GW in 2024, and total capacity rose 5%. The figure of 600 GW is the pumped-storage share of the hydropower pipeline. The DOE gave about 160 GW for 2020, which is an older snapshot. Read more: SciTech0147 — Pumped-Storage Hydropower.

Which of these is named by the PIB (July 2026) as a grid service from PSPs?

Black start. Black start is one of the ancillary services the PIB of July 2026 names for PSPs. The same release names frequency regulation and voltage support. The PIB of September 2024 names inertia. Read more: SciTech0147 — Pumped-Storage Hydropower.

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The CEA status sheets of mid-2026 list India’s operating pumped-storage projects above 25 MW. What do they show?

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The CEA status sheets of mid-2026 list India’s operating pumped-storage projects above 25 MW. What do they show?

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