Megha Engineering will build 2GW pumped hydro project in Sharavathi

Megha Engineering and Infrastructure (MEIL) has reportedly clinched a contract from the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) for the ambitious 2GW Sharavathy pumped storage power project in Karnataka, Southern India.

The bidding process for this project witnessed the participation of major industry players, including Larsen and Toubro (L&T), but MEIL emerged victorious, as confirmed by reports. Despite legal challenges mounted by L&T, including an appeal to the Supreme Court, MEIL's bid prevailed, leading to the contract award.

Planned to be situated in the Shimoga and Uttara Kannada districts, the Sharavathy pumped storage power project is expected to require an investment exceeding INR 80 billion ($960 million). It is envisioned as an additional installation that capitalizes on the existing Sharavathy system, which comprises the Liganamakhi, Talakalale, and Gerusoppa dams.

In this project, the Talakalale dam will serve as the upper reservoir, while the Gerusoppa dam will function as the lower reservoir, with no alterations to these structures. Additionally, the proposed intake for the pumped storage project will be situated separately from the existing intake of the 1.03GW Sharavathy hydroelectric project.

The Sharavathy pumped storage project aims to generate approximately 4,380GWh of design energy, with minimal civil works expected to be completed within five years. Currently, the Sharavathy river contributes a substantial portion of nearly 1.47GW or 40% of Karnataka's hydropower through seven existing dams and five tunnels.

In a related development earlier this year, India's state-run hydropower company NHPC unveiled plans to invest approximately INR 40 billion in the proposed 750MW Kuppa pumped hydro storage project, located in Chhota Udaipur, Gujarat.

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