Latest news with #FSPV
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
BMC floats tender to appoint consultant for renewable hybrid energy project at Middle Vaitarna dam
Over five years since the project was conceptualised, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has floated tenders inviting an independent engineer to consult on its ambitious plan to develop a Renewable Hybrid Energy Project at the Middle Vaitarna dam. Slated to be constructed over a period of 2.5 years, the project is set to generate nearly 80 million units (MU) in energy and save Rs 12.6 crore for the civic body annually. According to officials, the project is now garnering momentum with the civic body likely to receive the Stage-II clearances for the diversion of forest lands over the next two weeks. In what makes BMC the country's first civic authority to take up the cudgels to construct a hybrid energy project, the plan will encompass construction of two facilities–Hydro Power Plant of 20 MW (megawatts) capacity and 6.5 MW Floating Solar Power Plant (FSPV) of 6.5 MW at the Middle Vaitarna Dam. Together, these projects are estimated to generate 78.2 MU (million units) in energy–of which 66.82 MU will be generated by the hydro-electric plant while 11.30 MU energy will be produced through the floating solar plant. In the initial phase, the plants are estimated to save the civic body Rs 12.6 crore annually. As the project progresses, the BMC has charted plans to increase the capacity of the plant by accommodating more floating solar panels. While the project is pegged at a cost of Rs 247 crore, senior BMC officials maintained that the civic body will not be investing any capital expense and instead pay a pre-decided levelised tariff of Rs 4.57/kWh for the course of 25 years after commissioning by the contractor. For the record, the tender for the establishment of the plants has been awarded to Vaitarna Solar Hydro Powergenco Pvt Ltd (VSHPPL). The power generated from the hybrid energy plants is slated to be utilised through an open access route at the Pise pumping station and Panjrapur WTP complex–which together account for nearly 55-60 percent of Mumbai's potable water supply. The BMC will also construct a transmission line spanning over 13 km from the plant site at Middle Vaitarna Dam, which will connect to the power grid of the MSETCL at the Pise Panjrapur complex. Even as the tender had been awarded in 2022, construction work is yet to commence as the civic body is currently awaiting key clearances from the Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF). Speaking to The Indian Express, a senior BMC official said that the approval for the re-diversion of the forest land for the project is in the final leg and likely to be procured over the next 15 days. 'Furthermore, the survey and forest permission activities for the construction of the transmission line are in progress,' said the official. Amid the project gathering momentum, the civic body on Monday floated a tender to appoint an independent engineer for the development of the project facilities for a period of four years. According to officials, the process of awarding the tender is likely to be concluded by July wherein the agency will be roped in as a project management consultant who will serve as a neutral agency.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
WRD rejects Rs 1.3k cr investment proposal for solar power plan
Panaji: Water resources department (WRD) minister Subhash Shirodkar said on Tuesday that his department has turned down a proposal by SJVN Green Energy Ltd (SGEL) to invest over Rs 1,300 crore to generate 198MW of power by setting up four floating solar projects in Goa, as it could lead to water pollution. SGEL proposed to state govt to develop floating solar power projects in two phases. In the first phase, floating solar power projects were planned at Amthane and Chapoli dams, and in the second phase, at Salaulim and Anjunem dams. Speaking to TOI, Shirodkar said, 'I turned down the proposal as solar panels have batteries, cells, and liquid, and even if the company said they have a foolproof system, there is a possibility of some material falling into the water. We use water not only for irrigation but also for drinking, and we cannot take a risk.' Shirodkar mentioned that there would be 1,000 solar panels on the dams, and there are possibilities that they might fall into the water. The state would have to purchase the power from the PSU at Rs 3.8-4.3 per kWh, the proposal stated. SGEL conducted hydrographic studies on four water bodies with an investment of around Rs 1 crore. They involved various analyses through which information was gathered, including bed levels, cross-sections, profiles, and features using echo sounding techniques, water levels, and outflow/inflow data at critical locations. They also involved the collection of water, soil, and rock samples and conducting in situ tests as well as laboratory tests and analysis to obtain geological parameters. 'The combined data from all the above is then analysed to establish the final feasible capacity of FSPV on the reservoir,' a senior official said. Referring to water quality improvement, SGEL stated that floating solar panels can help reduce algal blooms by blocking excessive sunlight that fuels their growth, thereby improving water quality and enhancing aquatic ecosystems. In terms of biodiversity enhancement, SGEL said that well-designed floating solar installations can provide artificial habitats for aquatic species, fostering biodiversity and supporting local ecosystems. Regarding enhanced energy security, SGEL said that diversification of energy sources through floating solar power projects can enhance energy security by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and strengthening resilience against supply disruptions. SGEL said that the benefits of the floating solar power project include helping the state meet the state renewable purchase obligations (RPO) of 25% of the demand, which will further increase to 43% by 2030. It will also generate employment for locals in the state, reduce evaporation losses of reservoirs, reduce carbon emissions resulting in a cleaner environment, help in making Goa a green state, and realise revenue in the form of GST during the development stage of the project, it said.
