Avaada Energy to deliver Bihar’s first floating solar power plant

With a high population density and low land availability, Bihar is now using its water bodies to generate clean energy. The Bihar Government has commissioned a 2 megawatt (MW) floating solar power unit in Darbhanga district to Avaada Energy over a six acre water body and the project is about to be commissioned.

The project is a great amalgamation of green energy generation and livelihood opportunities for the local communities. The solar power generation on the top will enhance the pisciculture (fish farming) below the solar panels. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is bullish on utilising the water bodies of the state for sustainable development.

Avaada Energy says that in the 25 years life cycle of the floating solar project, some 2.7 million units of power will be generated each year and this is enough to reduce more than 64,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2).

Floating solar power projects have an inherent benefit that increases the efficiency and life of the project. The water cools the above mounted solar panels and even when the surrounding temperatures rise, they are able to generate electricity efficiently.

Solar power generated from the Darbhanga project will be transmitted to Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency (BREDA) by Avaada Energy. The company has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with BREDA for 25 years. BREDA is a government agency mandated to expand clean and renewable energy in the north Indian state.

The power generated in the floating solar plant will be distributed to the local consumers. This will be done by North Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd. The project will supply power to about 10,000 people.

Bihar also has a second floating solar plant which is under construction. It lies in the Supaul district which is known for water bodies that lie in the Kosi belt. It has been learnt that the Supaul project will be completed by the end of March.

Bihar is running much behind its renewable energy targets set under its renewable energy policy of 2017. The state aimed at generating 3,433 MW of RE by 2022 in which solar power alone was to contribute 2,969 MW. However, the state has merely installed 386 MW of total RE till recently.