Andhra Pradesh Now Has One of India’s Largest Floating Solar Power Project!
One of the most gigantic and sought-after floating solar power projects in India is now positioned in Andhra Pradesh. At its Simhadri thermal facility in Visakhapatnam, the state-run NTPC began operations at India’s largest floating solar PV installation. Andhra Pradesh now has India’s largest floating solar power plant.
What Is a Floating Solar Power Plant?
The Solar panels attached to a framework that floats on a body of water, often a lake or a reservoir, are known as floating photovoltaics (FPV) or floating solar. Since 2016, the demand for this renewable energy source has touched a soaring height.
What Is The Story Behind The Much-Publicized Solar Power Plant In Andhra Pradesh?
The largest Solar Power Plant in India has been successfully commissioned by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). The 25 MW floating SPV project is stationed in the vast expanse of 100 acres area in NTPC Simhadri in the State of Andhra Pradesh.
In addition to producing clean solar energy, the project will prevent water evaporation by shading the covered area. Due to the cooling effect, it will also contribute to a higher yield than traditional ground-mounted energy projects. The floating solar project is covered under the Government of India’s Flexibilisation Scheme, which was unveiled in 2018.
How Did a Navratna Company like BHEL Made it Possible?
BHEL has devised a new floating arrangement to suit the one-of-a-kind requirement of securing the support structures without impacting or loading the reservoir floor or dam construction. For the very first time in India, this unique module array has been engineered to resist wind gusts of up to 180 km/hr. All platform components and other equipment have been rendered corrosion free due to the project’s coastal location, which leads to significant wearing due to sultry weather conditions.
The project’s scope of work covered resource procurement, design, engineering, and construction. Besides, it was carried out by BHEL’s newly established Solar Business Cell. BHEL has the largest portfolio of floating SPV projects in the country, with over 45 MW of projects completed and another 107 MW in the pipeline.
What Are The Inherent Benefits Of This Distinct Solar Energy Project?
Every year, the project will save around 46,000 tonnes of CO2 and 1,364 million liters of water. It will be more than sufficient to cater to the needs of 6,700 households annually. The Simhadri Station is also the first of its kind, having an open-sea intake from the nearby Bay of Bengal that has been operational for over the last 20 years as a coal alternative for NTPC Vizag.
Conclusion
The floating solar plant is part of the NTPC’s core strategy to go green by 2032, eliminating the high-end coal consumption. It is also the maiden solar project under the Central Power Ministry. It allows manufacturers to supply power from any of their streams based on plant efficiency to reduce discoms’ costs.
