In Short : SAIL-Bhilai plans to install a 15-MW floating solar plant in Chhattisgarh. This initiative highlights the company’s commitment to renewable energy adoption and sustainable practices, leveraging innovative solutions to enhance clean energy generation and reduce carbon emissions in the region.
In Detail : Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP), the arm of Steel Authority of India (SAIL), will install the state’s first 15 MW floating solar project at its Maroda-1 reservoir in Chhattisgarh. The steel major has various projects which aims to reduce carbon emissions, conserve energy, and promote renewable energy.
The project is being implemented through NTPC-SAIL Power Supply (NSPCL), a 50:50 joint venture (JV) company of National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and SAIL. The solar plant will be set up in Durg district.
The Maroda reservoir is spread across 2.1 sq. km, with a water storage capacity of 19 cubic mm. The water stored in the Maroda-I reservoir not only feeds the plant but also the township. The total green power generation estimated from this plant is likely to be about 34.26 million units annually, which will be consumed by BSP as captive power. The project is expected to reduce the CO2 emission of BSP by 28,330 tonne annually.
NTPC, the consultant for the project, floated the tender for the project in January this year, and the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract is likely to be awarded shortly. The project is scheduled to be completed by next year.
The first solar project of NSPCL will open avenues of green energy portfolio for NSPCL while helping SAIL in green steel production. Another solar power plant of 35 MW is also proposed by SAIL-Bhilai Steel Plant through NSPCL in the next phase, for which DPR has already been prepared and the tender process is likely to start soon.
