BMC signs MoU with Vaitarna Solar for power generation

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for power generation along with purchase from a hybrid solar power plant that had been previously proposed, at Balasaheb Thackeray Middle Vaitarna Dam.

Under this project, there will be electricity generation of 100 MW. The hydroelectric power plant will comprise a 20 MW capacity. While energy up to 80 MW can be generated by the floating solar photovoltaic power plant. It is estimated that the project will require 31 months for completion.

The civic body further plans to increase the amount of power supply in the plants set up for water supply filtration. This will help the civic body in generating savings worth Rs 25 crore every year on power bills.

The Memorandum of Understanding had been signed by the BMC with Vaitarna Solar Hydro Power Genco Private Limited. The company is a joint venture of Mahalaxmi Konal Urja and Shapoorji Pallonji. The MoU was signed in the presence of Maharashtra Environment Minister, Aaditya Thackeray. For the upcoming 25 years, there will be a procurement of electricity by the civic body at a rate of Rs 5.3 per kilowatt.

Thackeray said that this project is a step taken by the BMC for achieving carbon neutrality and utilising renewable sources of energy, since, the project will lead to a reduction in the dependency on fossil fuels.

The Standing Committee of the corporation had given clearance to the proposal for constructing hybrid solar plants in February 2021. The company that will execute the construction work will take care of the cost and later on sell the electricity. The BMC does not need to spend any money for establishing the plant.

Image Source