Jharkhand’s 1st canal-top solar plant to be operational by Jan 2022

07 Oct 2021 CW Team

Jharkhand has consistently failed to meet its Renewable Power Obligation (RPO) over the years.

The canal-top solar power project, which is being built over the Sikidiri canal in Ranchi district, 20 km from the state capital, is expected to start construction this month and be operational in January 2022.

To address the land shortage for photovoltaic (PV) solar panel installation, the state government has focused on canal-top solar power projects. In terms of cost and availability, finding land to install solar panels is a major challenge.

Sinha said that around 750 m of the canal would be covered by PV panels for the 2 MW project. It is always possible to increase the capacity of the system by increasing the solar panel cover.

The solar installation's power would be evacuated to the grid at a voltage of 33 kV.

While the first canal-top solar plant was commissioned in Gujarat's Mehsana district in 2012, the ministry of new and renewable energy backed the idea of using space above canals to avoid unnecessary delays in land acquisition for solar plant construction. Seven states have already installed around 66 MW canal-top solar plants with MNRE's help since 2014.

In February 2019, JREDA issued a tender in this regard, but due to a lack of response from eligible parties, the tender was re-issued with a September 2019 deadline and a slightly reduced project cost. Vikram Solar was chosen for Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) with responsibility for Operations and Maintenance (O&M) for 10 years after the formalities were completed.

Once production begins in January next year, JREDA will enter into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Jharkhand Bijli Vitaran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) to sell power to the grid.

Image Source

Also read: Jaipur energy minister asks govt to promote solar manufacturing

Also read: REIL invites bids for 5,000 polycrystalline solar modules

Jharkhand is set to have 2 MW of green power to the grid with the installation of its first grid-connected canal-top solar power project over the Sikidiri canal. This project is a small step toward Niti Aayog's ambitious goal of installing 1,995 MW of solar power by 2022. Jharkhand has consistently failed to meet its Renewable Power Obligation (RPO) over the years. The canal-top solar power project, which is being built over the Sikidiri canal in Ranchi district, 20 km from the state capital, is expected to start construction this month and be operational in January 2022. To address the land shortage for photovoltaic (PV) solar panel installation, the state government has focused on canal-top solar power projects. In terms of cost and availability, finding land to install solar panels is a major challenge. Sinha said that around 750 m of the canal would be covered by PV panels for the 2 MW project. It is always possible to increase the capacity of the system by increasing the solar panel cover. The solar installation's power would be evacuated to the grid at a voltage of 33 kV. While the first canal-top solar plant was commissioned in Gujarat's Mehsana district in 2012, the ministry of new and renewable energy backed the idea of using space above canals to avoid unnecessary delays in land acquisition for solar plant construction. Seven states have already installed around 66 MW canal-top solar plants with MNRE's help since 2014. In February 2019, JREDA issued a tender in this regard, but due to a lack of response from eligible parties, the tender was re-issued with a September 2019 deadline and a slightly reduced project cost. Vikram Solar was chosen for Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) with responsibility for Operations and Maintenance (O&M) for 10 years after the formalities were completed. Once production begins in January next year, JREDA will enter into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Jharkhand Bijli Vitaran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) to sell power to the grid. Image SourceAlso read: Jaipur energy minister asks govt to promote solar manufacturing Also read: REIL invites bids for 5,000 polycrystalline solar modules

Real Estate

05 Aug 2026

CREDAI-MCHI to Host 10th Design & Construction Conference

CREDAI-MCHI will host the 10th anniversary edition of its Design & Construction Conference on August 19, 2026, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.The event is expected to bring together more than 500 procurement leaders, construction heads, architects, consultants and senior real estate decision-makers, alongside over 50 construction and ancillary brands.The conference will feature product launches, technology showcases, knowledge sessions, strategic business-to-business networking and recognition of procurement professionals contributing to the transformation of the construction..

Infrastructure Energy

05 Aug 2026

BorgWarner Wins Extension for High-Voltage Inverter Programmes

BorgWarner has secured a major extension of several high-volume high-voltage inverter programmes from a leading European automotive manufacturer.The contracts cover updated inverter designs for plug-in hybrid and 800V battery-electric vehicle applications. Production is scheduled to begin in 2029.Isabelle McKenzie, President and General Manager, BorgWarner PowerDrive Systems, said the programme extensions demonstrate the company’s position in power electronics and reflect the strength of its technology, in-house expertise and customer relationships.For plug-in hybrid vehicles, BorgWarner wil..

Infrastructure Urban

05 Aug 2026

Castrol India Q2 Profit Rises 43% to Rs 3.48 bn

Castrol India reported a 43 per cent year-on-year increase in profit after tax to Rs 3.48 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, supported by growth across its consumer, industrial and institutional businesses.Revenue from operations increased 25 per cent to Rs 18.71 billion during the second quarter of 2026, compared with Rs 14.97 billion in the corresponding period of 2025. EBITDA rose 41 per cent to Rs 4.94 billion from Rs 3.50 billion.Sequentially, revenue increased from Rs 15.45 billion in the first quarter of 2026, while EBITDA rose from Rs 3.29 billion. Profit after tax increased ..