SAIL-NTPC Partnership Set To Install Chhattisgarh's First Floating Solar Power Project

The Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), is set to install a 15-megawatt (MW) floating solar project within the Maroda-1 reservoir, in Chhattisgarh.

This will be the state’s first floating solar plant project, and is geared towards reducing its carbon footprint.

Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP), the Chhattisgarh-based arm of SAIL, will head the project, aligning with the steel giant's concerted efforts for carbon emission reduction, energy conservation and promotion of renewable energy. The solar project will be set up in Durg district.

As per Business Standard, the Maroda reservoir is spread across 2.1 square kilometres with a water storage capacity of 19 cubic milimetres (MM3). The water stored in the Maroda-I reservoir not only feeds the plant but also the township.

The targeted total green power generation from this plant is approximately 34.26 million units annually, all of which will be utilised by the plant as captive power.

The project is expected to reduce BSP's CO2 emissions by 28,330 tonnes annually, as per estimates by the BSP.

The solar plant is being implemented through NTPC-SAIL Power Supply Company Limited (NSPCL) — an equally owned joint venture of National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and SAIL.

The tender for the project was initiated in January 2024 by NTPC.

The tender process has concluded, and the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract is likely to be awarded with the project’s expected completion by next year.

This inaugural project marks the beginning of green energy portfolio for NSPCL while aiding SAIL in green steel production.

Additionally, another solar power plant, with a capacity of 35 MW, is also in the pipeline for next phase, proposed by SAIL-BSP through NSPCL. A detailed project report has been prepared and the tender process is expected to start soon.