The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), India’s largest energy conglomerate, has announced that it will begin a feasibility study for a 130 MW floating solar power plant in Tripura. The project will be the largest of its kind in India and is expected to help the state meet its renewable energy goals.
According to an NTPC official, the project will be located at the Dumbur dam in the state’s Gomati district and will require around 650 acres of water surface area. The floating solar panels will be installed in such a way that they will not affect the dam’s water storage capacity. The plant is expected to generate around 275 million units of electricity per year, enough to meet the power needs of around 1,30,000 households.
NTPC has appointed a consultant to carry out the feasibility study, which will determine the project’s viability, cost, and timeline. The study is expected to be completed within six months, following which the corporation will submit a detailed project report to the Tripura government for approval.
The floating solar power plant is part of NTPC’s ongoing efforts to increase its renewable energy portfolio and reduce its carbon footprint. The corporation has set a target of generating 32 GW of renewable energy by 2032, of which 10 GW will be sourced from solar power. NTPC has already commissioned several solar power projects across the country, including a 10 MW floating solar power plant in Kerala.
The Tripura government has welcomed NTPC’s initiative and has pledged its support for the project. The state has set a target of generating 520 MW of renewable energy by 2022, of which 100 MW will be from solar power.
NTPC’s feasibility study for a 130 MW floating solar power plant in Tripura is a significant step towards meeting India’s renewable energy goals. The project, if approved, will not only help the state achieve its renewable energy targets but will also provide sustainable electricity to thousands of households.
