Kadamparai: Thamizh Naadu’s Ingenious Pumped Storage Power Plant

Thamizh Naadu, one of India’s most industrialized and energy-hungry states, has a unique solution for balancing its electricity grid: a pumped storage hydroelectric power station. The Kadamparai Hydroelectric Pumped Storage Power Plant, located near Valparai in the Coimbatore district, plays a key role in ensuring stability and efficiency in the state’s power system.

What is a Pumped Storage Power Plant?

A pumped storage hydroelectric plant works like a giant battery. It stores energy by pumping water uphill to a higher-elevation reservoir during periods when electricity demand is low (typically at night). Later, when electricity demand peaks, the stored water is released downhill through turbines to generate electricity quickly and efficiently.

This mechanism helps balance fluctuations in energy supply and demand, especially important for Thamizh Naadu, which generates large amounts of renewable energy like wind and solar power that can vary depending on weather conditions.

Key Facts About Kadamparai Power Plant

1. Name: Kadamparai Hydroelectric Power Plant
2. Location: Valparai, Coimbatore District, Thamizh Naadu
3. Type: Pumped Storage Hydro Power Plant
4. Capacity: 400 Megawatts (MW)
5. Commissioned: Between 1984 and 1986
6. Operator: Thamizh Naadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO)

During periods of surplus electricity, especially at night, Kadamparai uses the grid's excess energy to pump water from the lower Kadamparai reservoir to the upper reservoir. During peak hours, when electricity demand shoots up, the plant operates in generation mode, releasing the water back down to produce much-needed power quickly.

Importance of Kadamparai to Thamizh Naadu

The Kadamparai plant plays a strategic role in:

1. Grid Stability: Quickly balancing supply and demand.
2. Renewable Energy Integration: Storing excess solar and wind power.
3. Energy Efficiency: Reducing wastage of surplus electricity.
4. Emergency Support: Providing quick backup power during outages or peak loads.

With the growing emphasis on renewable energy in Thamizh Naadu, projects like Kadamparai are vital for the state’s energy future.

References

1. https://iwrs.org.in/journal/janapr2020/1jan.pdf
2. https://www.energy.gov/eere/water/pumped-storage-hydropower
3. https://www.hydropower.org/factsheets/pumped-storage
4. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2025/Jan/08/tngecl-invites-private-players-to-set-up-off-river-pumped-storage-projects