The International Conference on “Sustainable Development of Pumped Storage Hydro Power Projects – Geotechnical Challenges” (EGCON 2023) marked another important event in the continuing EGCON series organized by the Indian Society of Engineering Geology (ISEG). The conference was held during 20–21 November, 2023 at the Power Management Institute (PMI), NTPC, Noida, and was organized by ISEG in association with NTPC Limited, a Government of India undertaking.

EGCON 2023 brought to fore the growing importance of Pumped Storage Project as a clean energy transition and India’s resolve to achieve net zero emission. The geological and geotechnical challenges associated with the development of pumped storage hydropower projects (PSPs) in India were discussed at length.

With the increasing integration of renewable energy into the national power system and the growing need for large-scale energy storage solutions, pumped storage projects have assumed strategic importance in stabilizing the power grid and meeting peak energy demands. The conference therefore attracted professionals, academicians, researchers, and policymakers to discuss the geological, geotechnical, environmental, hydrological, and design aspects associated with the planning and implementation of such projects.

Themes related to geological and geotechnical investigations for infrastructure and pumped storage projects, advanced ground mass characterization and rock mass classification, investigation and design of tunnels and underground caverns, seismological and earthquake engineering aspects, disaster risk reduction, and stabilization and monitoring of project components using modern techniques rooted for in depth discussion and major take aways.

Importance of supporting tools viz remote sensing, drone-based surveys, geophysical investigations, and modern monitoring systems helpful in project planning and execution took centerstage of discussion.

EGCON 2023 also underscored the significance of engineering geology in supporting India’s broader commitment to expanding renewable energy capacity and achieving sustainable infrastructure development. By facilitating interaction among experts from government organizations, industry, academia, and research institutions, the conference provided a valuable opportunity for technical exchange, professional networking, and collaborative discussions on emerging geotechnical challenges.

EGCON 2023 reaffirmed ISEG’s role as a premier platform for the dissemination of geoscientific knowledge and professional collaboration. Through focused discussions on pumped storage hydropower development and associated geotechnical challenges, the conference contributed to strengthening scientific dialogue and promoting sustainable approaches for infrastructure development in the renewable energy sector.