Representative photo: Bloomberg
Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP), the Chhattisgarh-based arm of the state-run Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), will set up the state’s first 15 megawatt (MW) floating solar power project at its Maroda-1 reservoir install to improve carbon emissions. footprint. The steel giant is implementing several projects to reduce CO2 emissions, save energy and promote renewable energy.
“In a major step towards this, Bhilai Steel Plant has taken up the project of installing a floating solar power plant of 15 MW capacity at the Maroda-1 reservoir,” a BSP spokesperson said. The project is being implemented through NTPC-SAIL Power Supply Company Limited (NSPCL), a 50:50 joint venture of National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and SAIL. The solar power plant will be set up in Durg district.
The Maroda reservoir is spread over 2.1 square kilometers with a water storage capacity of 19 cubic millimeters (MM3). The water stored in the Maroda-I reservoir not only feeds the factory but also the municipality.
The spokesperson said the project was the first floating solar power plant in Chhattisgarh. The total green power generation from this plant is estimated to be approximately 34.26 million units per year, which will be consumed by the Bhilai Steel Plant as its own energy. The project is expected to reduce BSP’s CO2 emissions by 28,330 tonnes annually.
NTPC, the consultant for the project, floated the tender for the project in January this year. The tender process has been completed and the Engineering, Procurement and Construction Contract (EPC) is likely to be awarded soon, officials said, adding that the project is expected to be completed next year.
NSPCL’s first solar project will open new avenues for a green energy portfolio for NSPCL while helping SAIL in green steel production.
Another solar power plant of 35 MW is also proposed in the next phase by SAIL-Bhilai Steel Plant through NSPCL, for which DPR is already prepared and the tender process is likely to start soon.
First print: May 12, 2024 | 3:16 PM IST