Gorakhpur to Host 20 MW Floating Solar Power Plant at Chilua Tal
In a significant push for renewable energy, a 20 megawatt floating solar power plant will be established at Chilua Tal in Gorakhpur, as part of the city's ambitious solar city initiative. The Uttar Pradesh state cabinet cleared the proposal on Monday, designating Coal India Limited (CIL) to implement the project on approximately 80 to 150 acres of water surface in Sadar tehsil.
Project Details and Implementation
The floating solar plant will be developed near Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL) in Sadar tehsil, utilizing around 80 acres of water-covered area at Chilua Tal. Land from the tourism department, revenue department, and HURL will be used for the project, with 11.41 hectares (28.20 acres) of tourism department land allocated free of cost to CIL. The company will execute the project using its own resources, and the power generated will be supplied to the grid to help meet local electricity demand.
Strategic Goals and Benefits
Under the solar city framework defined by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Gorakhpur aims to meet at least 10% of its projected energy demand, equivalent to 121.8 million units, through renewable energy and efficiency measures. The plant is expected to generate at least 33.29 million units of green energy annually, contributing significantly to Gorakhpur's electricity needs while supporting environmental sustainability.
An official source highlighted the advantages of floating solar technology, stating, "The use of floating solar technology allows power generation without additional land acquisition and can improve efficiency due to the cooling effect of water." This approach minimizes land use conflicts and enhances energy output, making it a key component of the state's broader strategy to promote solar energy and reduce dependence on conventional power sources.
Broader Context and Similar Initiatives
The Gorakhpur project aligns with similar floating solar initiatives across Uttar Pradesh. For instance, a 49 MW floating solar plant has been approved in Lalitpur district on the Maudaha reservoir, being developed by GAIL with an investment of Rs 257 crore and expected completion within 18 months. Additionally, an 11 MW floating solar plant is under development on the raw water reservoir within the premises of the Khurja super thermal power project by Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited.
Uttar Pradesh already operates a 20 MW floating solar plant on the reservoir of the NTPC Auraiya Gas Power Station in Dibiyapur. The state has identified additional reservoirs for future projects, indicating a strong commitment to expanding renewable energy infrastructure and achieving its solar targets.
