Ashis Parida January 1, 2018The state, which is the leader in renewable energy sector, is poised to continue to move ahead as it is finding new ways to increase the solar generation capacity. The latest is state-run power generation company Mahagenco’s decision to install solar panels on dams.
Floating solar power plant exists in India only in Kerala. A 500kW plant was recently inaugurated in Banasura Sagar at the cost of Rs9.25 crore. In Gujarat solar panels have been installed to cover canals but they are not floating.
A source in Mahagenco said that a private solar energy agency — Gensol — had been asked to conduct a feasibility study for Irai dam near Chandrapur. The dam is owned by Mahagenco. “The study is nearly complete and the report will be submitted to us in a few weeks. If the report is positive we will go ahead will the project,” he added.
According to the source, the floating solar panels will obviate the need for acquiring land and also reduce evaporation from dams.
The source further said that Mahagenco has done a ballpark calculation and estimated that 250MW could be generated through floating solar panels. “In the first phase we will install floating panels in the feeder reservoirs of thermal power plants, owned by us. If the results are good we will seek permission from water resources department (WRD) to replicate the model on their dams,” he added.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/mahagenco-plans-floating-solar-panels-on-irai-dam/articleshow/62319501.cms
