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On January 5, 2026, analyst Shankar Sharma urged the Union government and key statutory bodies to stop approving pumped storage power projects (PSPs) in river valleys due to ecological risks and the viability of battery energy storage systems (BESS) with grid-forming capability as a better alternative. Addressed to various committees and officials, the representation highlights a proposal by Grid India to mandate grid-forming BESS for systems of 50 MW and above, arguing it meets grid stability needs traditionally assigned to PSPs.

Sharma raises concerns over plans for 200,000 MW of pumped storage potential, warning of extensive forest loss in sensitive regions. He calls for policy guidelines favoring BESS and immediate rejection of a 2,000 MW project in Karnataka's Sharavati Wildlife Sanctuary. The submission cites a NITI Aayog report advocating battery storage over pumped hydro and stresses ecological protection in decision-making.