Pinnapuram Integrated Renewable Energy Storage Project, India

Integrating solar, wind, and pumped storage to provide a clean and reliable energy solution

AFRY has provided detailed design for the pumped storage plant of the world's largest integrated renewable power scheme, combining pumped storage, solar and wind power.

India, one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, has set ambitious targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate clean energy solutions. However, the intermittent nature of renewable energy presents a dual challenge of meeting peak power demands and maintaining grid stability.

To address this, Greenko, a leading independent power producer (IPP) in India’s renewable energy sector, developed the Integrated Renewable Energy Storage Project (IRESP), poised to become the largest of its kind globally. This innovative project integrates solar, wind, and pumped storage to provide a clean and reliable energy solution.

Turbine hall under construction in a powerhouse

Our work focuses on enabling grid stabilisation and managing peak demand by efficiently storing surplus renewable energy in reservoirs.

AFRY provided detailed design & engineering services for all civil components & hydro-mechanical works including design interfacing with electro-mechanical works:

reviewing technical specifications for electro-mechanical works in Phase A
providing complete detailed design services for civil & hydro-mechanical works for the pumped storage plant
frequent site missions to address design construction interfacing issues.

AFRY’s role was to ensure that the pumped storage component was seamlessly integrated with solar and wind assets, creating a comprehensive and efficient renewable energy system.

The IRESP project will provide flexible and dispatchable power to the grid, supplying clean energy for both household and industrial use. It will ensure:

Grid Stabilisation
The project will balance fluctuations in renewable generation and stabilise the grid, ensuring a reliable power supply during peak demand periods for both residential and industrial use.
Increased Energy Supply
The project will generate an annual energy output of 3,850 million units.
Operational Efficiency
With a six-hour cycle operation, the pumped storage plant ensures continuous energy availability.
Carbon Reduction
The project significantly contributes to India's carbon emission reduction goals by utilising clean, renewable energy sources.
Timely Implementation
The project is on track for completion within 42 months, with a target commissioning date of December 2024.

AFRY, as the Principal Design Consultant for the pumped storage plant, has played a key role in helping Greenko achieve its vision of reducing carbon emissions and enhancing grid reliability.

Our collaboration with AFRY has been instrumental in realising our vision for a sustainable future. The expertise and dedication of the AFRY team have ensured that our integrated renewable energy storage project not only meets but exceeds our expectations in terms of efficiency and environmental impact.

– P.M Nanda, EVP, Greenko

The Pinnapuram Integrated Renewable Energy Storage Project is nearing commercial operation and represents a significant milestone in sustainable energy. This achievement highlights the commitment and expertise of the entire project team.

Sai Seela, Managing Director for India, AFRY

"We are proud to have deployed our expertise on such an impressive and first-of-its-kind project in India."

Leveraging AFRY’s full range of technical know-how, we successfully navigated numerous challenges, allowing the client to proceed smoothly and accelerate the project toward completion. This is a testament to our commitment to delivering innovative, sustainable solutions.

– Sai Seela, Managing Director and Country Manager for India, AFRY