ANDRITZ Secured to Equip Torrent Power’s 3,000 MW Saidongar-1 Karjat Pumped Storage Project in Maharashtra

ANDRITZ has entered into a strategic agreement to provide the electromechanical equipment for the Saidongar-1 Karjat project, a 3,000 MW open-loop pumped storage plant (PSP) located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. The contract was signed with M/s Torrent Psh 3 Private Limited, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) established by Torrent Power Limited. This facility, which reached its current 3,000 MW capacity following Torrent Power’s exercise of a “Greenshoe Option” during the procurement process, is positioned to become the largest pumped storage installation in India.

Technical Specifications: Electromechanical Scope

The equipment mandate for the project involves high-capacity reversible technology designed for long-duration energy storage. The reservoirs for the project have a combined live storage capacity of approximately 44.8 million cubic meters (MCM). The technical scope includes:

• Equipment Quantity: 10 units.
• Unit Configuration: Reversible pump turbines and motor-generators.
• Total Capacity: 3,000 MW (consisting of 10 units with a rated output of 300 MW each).
• Operational Role: The system facilitates the non-consumptive re-utilization of 14.77 MCM of water for re-circulation between two reservoirs. The upper reservoir is situated on a hilltop, while the lower reservoir is constructed across the River Pej. The reversible turbines operate as pumps during non-peaking cycles to move water to the upper reservoir and as generators during peaking cycles.

Performance Metrics and Grid Impact

The Saidongar-1 Karjat project is a critical infrastructure component for regional grid stability, operating under a 40-year contract term with the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL).

• Annual Energy Production: 6,241 GWh.
• Carbon Offset: Approximately 4.55 million tons of CO2 reduction per year.
• Grid Role: The project functions as a balancing mechanism for intermittent renewable sources (solar and wind), providing round-the-clock power and frequency control.
• Discharge Capability: The facility is designed for a scheduled discharge of 8 hours per day, including a maximum of 5 hours of continuous discharge.
• Status: The plant is the largest PSP currently planned in India and was recommended for Environmental Clearance (EC) by the Expert Appraisal Committee in October 2025.

Execution Framework and Manufacturing

ANDRITZ’s scope for the project includes the design, manufacture, installation, testing, and commissioning of the units. The execution strategy leverages localized infrastructure and global technical expertise.

• Manufacturing Base: The project will utilize ANDRITZ’s existing manufacturing facilities in India, supported by the company’s international engineering network.
• Contract Value: The order value is in the low three-digit million euro range.
• Financial Timeline: The order is scheduled for inclusion in ANDRITZ’s financial results for the first quarter of 2026.

Site Geography and Environmental Context

The project is located in the Karjat sub-district and involves the diversion of forest land for the construction of reservoirs and associated powerhouse infrastructure.

Project Site Summary

The project was officially re-categorized as an “open-loop” system due to revisions in technical parameters and the formation of the project-specific SPV. The Environmental Clearance granted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in early 2026 stipulates that the water required for initial filling and evaporation compensation will be sourced from the self-catchment of the Pej River.