By Shishir Prashant 
Prashantnews
THDC India Limited (THDCIL) on Friday announced the successful commencement of COD process of the 2nd Unit (250 MW) of the 1000 MW Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant (PSP) at Tehri, Uttarakhand.
This development marks a significant advancement in India’s hydropower capabilities as Tehri Pumped Storage Plant is not only the country’s first Variable Speed Pumped Storage facility, but also the largest of its kind implemented by any Central Public Sector Enterprise. With the first unit already operating successfully since June, 2025, the commencement of second unit’s COD process further reinforces THDCIL’s leadership in delivering technologically advanced and grid-responsive clean energy infrastructure, top officials of the company said.
The Commercial Operation Declaration (COD) is a significant milestone as it marks the official point when the hydel project is considered commercially operational and capable of generating and supplying electricity to the grid, they said.
Essentially, the COD signifies that the plant has passed all necessary tests and inspections, meets the performance standards, and is ready to contribute to the electrical system in a stable and efficient manner.
The event was graced by Pankaj Agarwal (IAS), Secretary, Ministry of Power, Government of India, who officially commenced the operation of the second unit via virtual mode in the distinguished presence of Akash Tripathy (IAS), Addl. Secretary, Ministry of Power, Mohammad Afzal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Power, Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC, R. K. Vishnoi, CMD, THDCIL, Shallinder Singh, Director (Personnel), THDCIL; Bhupender Gupta, Director (Technical), THDCIL; and Sipan Kumar Garg, Director (Finance), THDCIL.
Agarwal, while addressing the gathering, lauded the commencement of the COD process of the second unit and extended heartfelt congratulations on behalf of Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, to all officers and employees of THDC India Limited, along with the contracting agencies associated with the project, for achieving this remarkable milestone.
He stated that the Ministry of Power is proud of this accomplishment, which reflects the dedication and technical excellence of the entire team. Agarwal appreciated that THDCIL has not only brought advanced pumped storage technology to India but has also taken on the challenging task of executing the entire project under difficult conditions.