Bengaluru: More than three years after its board approved a proposal in August 2023 to develop Karnataka’s first floating solar parks in the backwaters of various reservoirs, Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) has finally taken a step forward by inviting consultancy bids for the proposed projects. The initiative envisages converting vast stretches of reservoir backwaters into power-generating hubs, with the potential to set up floating solar plants with a combined capacity of 1,500 MW.Sources in KPCL told TOI that the selected consultants will conduct feasibility studies and bathymetric surveys and prepare detailed project reports (DPRs) to identify suitable locations and assess the technical and economic viability of the proposed floating solar projects. Energy minister K J George said the initiative would ensure productive use of reservoir surfaces to expand renewable energy generation while reducing dependence on additional land for setting up new power projects.“Karnataka is exploring the potential for 1,500 MW of floating solar capacity by making productive use of suitable reservoir surfaces. This initiative reflects our commitment to adopting innovative renewable-energy technologies while optimising land and water resources. The feasibility studies will help us identify technically viable and environmentally sustainable opportunities for future development,” the minister said. Once implemented, this will be a major project of KPCL after commissioning Yermarus thermal power station (YTPS) at Raichur way back in March 2017.The move marks a renewed push towards floating solar technology, which involves installing photovoltaic panels on specially designed floating platforms anchored in reservoirs and other water bodies. Besides eliminating the need for large tracts of additional land, such projects could also help reduce water loss through evaporation from the portions of reservoirs covered by solar panels.
TOI had first reported KPCL’s plan to set up floating solar parks in the backwaters of Karnataka’s reservoirs in its September 1, 2023, edition. The corporation has now invited consultancy bids, more than three years after its board approved the proposal.
KPCL had earlier identified the backwaters of Kali river at Kadra hydel reservoir in Uttara Kannada district for its first floating solar park. TOI had first reported the corporation’s move to set up floating solar parks in its September 1, 2023, edition. In 2023, the state had approved 270 MW of solar projects in the first phase, including a 100 MW floating solar facility at Kadra. KPCL officials had also indicated that the state’s major and minor reservoirs, spread across more than 10 locations, collectively offered around 35,000 acres of sunlit surface area, with the potential to generate up to 7,000 MW of solar power. The power-generating utility had also planned to use surplus solar power to operate pumped-storage facilities at these reservoirs.P Rajendra Cholan, IAS, Managing Director of KPCL, said the proposed consultancy exercise would provide the technical foundation for assessing the 1,500 MW potential. The studies will examine reservoir depths, seasonal water-level fluctuations, anchoring requirements, grid connectivity, environmental implications and power evacuation infrastructure.“Developing floating solar projects requires detailed engineering assessments, particularly of reservoir bathymetry, water-level fluctuations, anchoring systems and power evacuation infrastructure. The proposed studies will help KPCL evaluate suitable locations, assess generation potential and prepare technically sound project reports,” he said.The initiative is currently at the feasibility and planning stage. Final project locations, capacity distribution, investment requirements and implementation timelines will be decided based on the findings of the studies, statutory clearances and subsequent govt approvals.
