Karnataka Seeks Consultants for 2.5 GW Energy Project

Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) has invited bids for consultancy services to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed 2,500 MW Varahi Pumped Storage Project, marking another step in Karnataka’s plans to expand its large-scale energy-storage infrastructure.

The consultancy assignment is expected to provide KPCL with the technical and project-level assessment needed to evaluate the proposed development. Preparing a DPR is an important stage for a major infrastructure project, as it helps establish the technical feasibility, project requirements, estimated costs, implementation considerations and other factors that need to be assessed before construction.

The Varahi Pumped Storage Project is particularly significant because of its proposed 2,500 MW capacity. Pumped storage facilities can store electricity during periods when power is available and generate electricity when demand increases. This makes them an important option for supporting power-system flexibility as renewable energy generation continues to expand.

For Karnataka, the development of additional energy-storage capacity could become increasingly important as solar and wind power contribute a larger share of electricity generation. Renewable generation can vary depending on weather and time of day, creating a need for flexible power-storage solutions that can help match electricity supply with changing demand.

The consultancy work will therefore play an important role in determining how the proposed Varahi project can be developed. A specialist consulting firm would typically be expected to bring expertise in areas such as engineering assessment, hydropower planning, project feasibility, infrastructure requirements and cost evaluation. The resulting DPR can then support further decisions concerning the project's development.

The growing importance of specialist consultants in India's energy transition has also been highlighted by companies working in the pumped-hydro sector. Dr. Amanda Ashworth, Managing Director of Entura, a consulting and engineering firm involved in energy and pumped-hydro projects, said:

“This is an exciting and significant opportunity for us.”  — Dr. Amanda Ashworth, Managing Director, Entura

Entura has been involved in supporting energy and renewable infrastructure developments in India, including pumped-hydro projects. The company's work illustrates the growing role of specialist consulting and engineering expertise in planning complex energy-storage infrastructure.

Pumped storage is gaining greater attention across India as policymakers, utilities and developers look for ways to integrate increasing renewable-energy capacity into the electricity system. Unlike short-duration storage solutions, pumped storage can provide large-scale and longer-duration energy storage, allowing electricity generated during periods of surplus to be used when demand is higher.

The proposed Varahi project could therefore contribute to Karnataka's longer-term efforts to strengthen grid flexibility and improve the management of renewable electricity. Its large capacity also makes the project relevant to the broader development of energy-storage infrastructure in the state.

The KPCL consultancy tender highlights an expanding opportunity for firms specialising in energy consulting, hydropower consulting, infrastructure advisory, renewable-energy planning and project feasibility. As more large-scale energy-storage projects move through the planning and development stages, utilities are likely to require specialised consultants to assess technical, financial and infrastructure-related requirements.

The consultancy stage is also important because large infrastructure investments require detailed assessment before significant capital is committed. A comprehensive DPR can help identify potential technical challenges, infrastructure requirements and project-development considerations at an early stage.

According to the tender details, interested firms are required to submit their bids by August 17. Following the tender process, the selected consultancy partner will be responsible for carrying out the required assessment and preparing the DPR for the proposed project.

The Varahi Pumped Storage Project comes as Karnataka continues to develop its renewable-energy and power infrastructure. With electricity demand expected to evolve along side industrial growth and increasing renewable generation, energy-storage projects could become an important part of the state's future power strategy.

For the consulting industry, the development demonstrates how India's energy transition is creating demand beyond renewable-energy generation itself. Large-scale storage projects require specialised knowledge across engineering, feasibility studies, project planning and infrastructure development, creating opportunities for consulting firms with experience in complex energy projects.

KPCL's decision to seek consultancy services for the 2,500 MW Varahi Pumped Storage Project therefore represents more than an individual infrastructure tender. It reflects the growing role of consulting expertise in helping utilities plan and evaluate the next generation of India's energy-storage projects.