GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE: GEV) of Cambridge, MA has been awarded a contract by Hyderabad, India-based Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited (MEIL) to supply nine 150 MW pumped-storage units for the Upper Sileru Hydropower plant in India’s state of Andhra Pradesh.
With a total capacity of 1.35 GW, the facility is set to become one of the largest pumped-storage projects in the country. Scheduled for completion by 2030, the plant will generate enough electricity to power approximately three million Indian households.
Enhancing Grid Reliability
The Upper Sileru project is an important part of India’s energy transition. By providing long-duration energy storage, the facility will balance the fluctuations of solar and wind power on the national grid. Its ability to pivot rapidly between pumping and generating modes makes it essential for managing peak demand and maintaining frequency regulation.
“Partnering once again with GE Vernova allows us to leverage proven technology to deliver reliable, large-scale storage that will support grid stability,” stated MEIL.
Scope and Local Impact
GE Vernova will oversee the design, manufacturing, and commissioning of nine vertical Francis reversible units, along with their associated control and governing systems. The project will utilize the company’s extensive engineering and manufacturing footprint in India, supporting local jobs and industrial development.
Frederic Ribieras, CEO of Hydro Power at GE Vernova, noted the importance of the collaboration saying,”We are honored to work on this second project with MEIL. Pumped-storage is critical for stabilizing the grid and integrating renewable energy at a massive scale.”
A Growing Partnership
This marks the second collaboration between the two companies; GE Vernova is currently installing four 125 MW units at India’s Kundah hydropower plant. GE Vernova manages nearly 30% of the world’s installed pumped-storage base.
In India, GE Vernova maintains a presence of over 10,000 employees, 10 manufacturing sites, and five technology centers dedicated to advancing the country’s power generation and distribution infrastructure.
