NTPC plans 120 MW floating solar power plant.

The NTPC Ramagundam that has set a milestone by generating 10 MW solar power since 2014 is now contemplating to set up the country’s largest floating solar power plant that would produce 120 MW.

The floating solar power plant is being planned on the NTPC reservoir spread across 4,600 acre on the outskirts of Ramagundam.

The NTPC Ramagundam had set a milestone in the country by generating 10 MWs solar power from January 29, 2014. It generates around 12 million units of power to 14 million units of power per annum thereby saving 14,000 tonnes of coal. The solar power plant is spread over 52.41 acres of land along the Rajiv Rahadhari in the coal belt area.

Official sources said that the floating solar plants had higher efficiency compared to ground mounted installations due to the moderating effect of water bodies on panel temperature. Further, the floating plant would also reduce water evaporation from the reservoir and conserve water. The solar panels would be installed on ferro cement floaters with hollow insides to make it float, the sources added.

NTPC Ramagundam reservoir stores around 7 tmcft of water and is spread over 4,600 acres of land.

The proposed 120 MWs floating solar power plant would be an added advantage to the power station and also help save non-renewable fossil fuel, the source explained.

The NTPC was planning floating solar power plant as there was acute shortage of land.

The feasibility report for necessary technical sanctions would be submitted to the NTPC Corporate Office and the work on the proposed plant would tentatively start in next financial year.

THE HINDU