NTPC seeks bids for potential of floating solar power capacities

NTPC's renewable energy arm, NTPC-REL, a state-run power company, has initiated a bidding process to appoint consultants for assessing the potential of floating solar power capacities across various states and union territories in India. As per the bid document, the objective of the proposed study is to evaluate the feasibility of establishing floating solar photovoltaic (PV) plants on reservoirs located in different states and UTs.The scope of work includes gathering relevant data and satellite imagery of reservoirs, as well as conducting a preliminary study to assess the suitability of implementing floating solar installations. The deadline for bid submission is July 4, 2023. Floating solar power refers to solar panels mounted on structures that float on bodies of water like lakes, oceans, or hydropower reservoirs.NTPC-REL is currently in the process of setting up a 100 MW floating solar project on the reservoir of NTPC Ramagundam thermal power station in Telangana. This project, awarded in 2019, will be the largest floating solar project in Asia upon completion. In 2021, NTPC-REL successfully commissioned a 25 MW floating solar project on the raw water reservoir of NTPC Simhadri super thermal power project in Andhra Pradesh, making it the largest floating solar power project in India. In 2019, NTPC-REL secured three floating solar projects, two in Kerala and one in Uttar Pradesh.The 22 MW Kayamkulam-I project in Kerala is part of a larger 92 MW floating solar capacity being constructed at various reservoirs of NTPC Rajiv Gandhi gas-based power station in the state. The Kayamkulam-II project is a 70 MW plant, also a part of the 92 MW project under construction. Additionally, the 20 MW Auraiya project is being developed on the reservoir of NTPC Auraiya gas power station in Uttar Pradesh.