Prospects of Pumped Storage in Energy Transition

Overview

With the world gradually transitioning to clean energy, several challenging questions emerge, such as – whether or not we have modern technologies at our disposal. If indigenisation of such technologies can reduce cost, what are the alternatives, and who bears the brunt of this transition? Whether this transition to a low-carbon growth trajectory translates into a more ‘just economy’ compared to the ‘fossil fuel economy’ that it intends to replace, etc. The ongoing discourse around energy transition in India also accords importance to ensuring distributive justice to all stakeholders as one of its primary objectives. In light of these pressing questions, this Discussion Paper attempts to look at the clean energy ‘coin’ by highlighting the Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH) project(s) in the Purulia district of West Bengal – their prospect in energy transition and possible impact on the indigenouspopulation of the region bearing the cost of these clean energy projects through the loss of their cultural property, identity, and traditional livelihoods.