Hyderabad: Telangana irrigation minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy asked the irrigation officials to identify and use available irrigation lands, reservoirs and canal systems for solar power generation on priority as the govt was spending heavily on power for irrigation projects and lift schemes. He said locations such as Manjeera and Singur projects could be explored for this purpose. The department must explore solar and pumped storage projects wherever possible to reduce long-term power costs and create sustainable energy sources, the minister said.Reviewing irrigation power requirements at Jala Soudha with senior officials, the minister said the department should move beyond routine project execution and actively create its own power sources. He said solar projects on irrigation lands and canals should be treated as the first priority.Feasibility studies were conducted at some 16 reservoirs. Even if around 10 per cent of suitable reservoir and irrigation land area was used, it would create potential to install nearly 6,000 to 7,000 MW of solar power capacity. He said the department should work on this proposal and coordinate with the concerned chief engineers and nodal agencies to prepare a clear way forward.A canal-based solar project under the BOOT model (Build Own Operate and Transfer) was also presented during the review. The project was proposed on a canal stretch of about 15 km between Jagora and Chandora.The minister said the model would not require govt capital investment or land acquisition, as the existing canal system would be used. The project could support a 20 MW solar power system, generate around 340 lakh units annually and meet the project’s requirement of about 84 lakh units. The surplus energy of about 255 lakh units could be sold, generating revenue of nearly Rs 11.5 crore per year.The model also projected annual power savings of about RS 6.2 crore, amounting to nearly Rs 155 crore over 25 years. The project would provide assured power and water support for around 8,000 acres, besides offering environmental benefits such as renewable energy generation, canal cooling and reduced evaporation.Solar projects on all available irrigation land should be the first priority. Other revenue sources can be taken up later,” he said.Ends/
