The plant, the first of its kind, utilises the surplus power in off-peak periods for supply during peak hours.
Four units of 225 mw each of the Pump Storage Power Project (PSPP) have been set up by West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company. The project became operational between October 2007 and January 2008, helping the state to meet the power demand during peak evening hours.
The entire cost of the project is Rs 2,953 crore and the technical expertise was provided by the Japan Bank of International Cooperation.
According to Bhattacharjee, the state needs hydel power plants to improve the current unfavorable thermal-hydel ratio of 96:4. The chief minister also called for a joint initiative between the power and tourism departments to devise a strategy to make the site an eco-tourism centre.
Bhattacharjee asked the state power ministry to look into the feasibility of another pump storage project at Turga Dam, which has a potential for 600 mw of hydel power generation.
“A rural electrification programme will also be undertaken to see that Purulia and its adjoining villages have access to electricity,” he said. Moreover, with three steel plants coming up in the area, training will be imparted to at least 50,000 local youths, Bhattacharjee said.