Jharkhand seeks bids for 600 MW floating solar plant

Jharkhand Renewable Energy Development Authority (JREDA) is seeking proposals from qualified agencies to conduct a bathymetry survey and soil test for the development of a 600 MW floating solar power project at Chandil Dam in Saraikela-Kharsawan district.

The last date for submitting bids is May 22, 2023. Technical bids will be opened on May 24, 2023.

The estimated cost of the project is Rs 2,00,00,000. The earnest money deposit (EMD) is Rs 4,00,000. JREDA has previously invited bids for two solar tenders with a cumulative capacity of 5 MW. The first tender was for a 2 MW grid-connected canal-top solar PV power plant at Sikidiri Canal. The second tender was for 3 MW of grid-connected rooftop SPV power plants of different capacities on a turnkey basis for government residential buildings anywhere in Jharkhand.

The development of the 600 MW floating solar power project at Chandil Dam is part of JREDA's efforts to increase the state's renewable energy capacity. The project is expected to generate enough electricity to power over 200,000 households.

Floating solar power plants are a relatively new technology that has the potential to provide a number of benefits, including reduced land use, increased efficiency, and reduced environmental impact.

Floating solar power plants can be installed on existing water bodies, such as dams and reservoirs. This helps to reduce the need for land, which is a valuable resource in many parts of the world. Floating solar panels also reflect sunlight back into the water, which helps to cool the water and reduce evaporation. This can be beneficial for fish and other aquatic life.

The development of the 600 MW floating solar power project at Chandil Dam is a significant step forward for Jharkhand's renewable energy sector. The project is expected to help the state achieve its goal of generating 10% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2022.