KSEBL’s solar project picks up pace
Though tenders were invited for 200 MW of ground-mounted solar power project, it had to be cancelled as only one firm attended the bidding.
Kochi: Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEBL), which in January announced generation of 1000 MW solar power in the next three years, has been taking active steps to achieve the target.
The Board is planning to generate 500 MW energy from rooftop solar panels in households for which more than two lakh consumers have already registered. The project is expected to bring a significant change in the state’s energy sector and will give Kerala an edge over others in harnessing solar power.
“We have received 2,78,258 registrations, including not only owners of houses but other institutions and organisations. A field survey is over while its scrutiny and inspection of rooftops are progressing. Online tenders have been floated, and installation of solar panels will begin in the selected rooftops by November. This year, tenders were invited for generating 200 MW solar power from rooftops, and we plan to add 300 MW solar power in the next phase,” said A. Nazarudeen, state nodal officer of the solar project, KSEBL.
The Board is keen to tap maximum solar energy, and the remaining 500 MW will be generated from floating solar panels atop canals, solar highway project and private solar parks.
The floating solar project will be implemented in dams at Banasurasagar, Chengulam, Kallarkutty, Idukki, Anayirangal, Ponmudi and Kundala. National Thermal Power Corporation and Solar Energy Corporation of India will conduct a preliminary study in the identified dams.
Though tenders were invited for 200 MW of ground-mounted solar power project, it had to be cancelled as only one firm attended the bidding.
The contract works for setting up solar panels at the NTPC owned land and backwaters at Kayamkulam to generate 92 MW power are underway.
The Board has also identified several other proposals to harness solar power and achieve the 1000 MW by 2021 and 2022.
Meanwhile, sources at KSEBL told DC that reports on the finance department’s objection to the rooftop solar power generation are baseless. Though there were discussions, no formal decision has been taken, or any order issued to the Board.