To ramp up while utilizing natural sources optimally, Punjab Government has decided to install Solar Power Photovoltaic (PV) projects with a total capacity of 300 megawatt (MW) in the State, including 200 MW canal top solar PV power projects and 100 MW floating solar PV power project on the reservoirs and lakes.
The state New and Renewable Energy Sources Minister Aman Arora, taking the decision in a high-level meeting, said that the proposed 200 MW Canal Top Solar Project would be installed in a phased manner, under which 50 MW would be installed in the first phase, while projects of remaining capacity would be installed in subsequent phases.
These projects will be executed in Build, Operate and Own (BOO) mode by Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA), he added.
The canal top solar power projects will be installed on small distributaries having less width, which will involve less civil works. The cost of the Canal Top Solar PV Projects is expected to be around Rs five crore per MW after taking in consideration of 20 per cent VGF. The 200 MW Canal Top Solar PV Projects will save at least 1000 acres of precious agricultural land, besides, generating local EMPLOYMENT and preventing water Evaporation from canals, he added.
Similarly, Floating Solar PV Projects are also a new emerging idea being implemented in the country for using the potential area on lakes and reservoirs, which will also lead to saving thousands acres of precious agricultural land. The cost of Floating Solar PV Projects would be around Rs 4.80 crore per MW after considering 20 per cent VGF.