Ciel & Terre India Completes 4.096 MWp Floating Solar Installation For Amplus

Ciel et Terre India has delivered an innovative floating solar plant to Amplus KN One Power.

Project Overview

The Amplus KN One Power project is located within the premises of UltraTech Cement Limited (UTCL) at UTCL Awarpur in Maharashtra. Completed within 4 months, the project has used some innovative approaches to overcome the many challenges it faced.

Innovative Design and Configuration

The Amplus KN One Power project, boasts a capacity of 4.096 MWp and nearly 10,856 Air Optim Hydrelio floats, equipped with Jinko 550 Wp PV panels arranged in 4 in a row configuration. Utilizing non-polluted water from the nearby Wahegaon River, the panels are tilted at 5 degrees. The project consists of two islands with capacities of 1.909 MWp in Reservoir 1 and 2.187 MWp in Reservoir 2, anchored using Bank Helical Anchoring. Covering 6.3 acres of a 10.8-acre water area, it achieves approximately 60% coverage. Designed for captive consumption, this floating solar installation sets a benchmark in renewable energy innovation.

Overcoming Challenges

Implementing a floating solar power plant comes with its unique set of challenges. The Amplus KN One Power project faced several obstacles, each of which required innovative solutions:

1. Proximity of Barricading: The proximity of barricading to the reservoir left minimal space for anchor positioning. This required precise planning and the use of advanced anchoring techniques to ensure stability.

2. Reservoir Fencing and Pipes: Many pipes were located near the reservoir fencing, complicating the anchoring process. The project team had to devise specialized methods to secure the anchors without interfering with the existing infrastructure.

3. Rocky Terrain in Reservoir 2: A significant rock was present in the anchoring area of Reservoir 2. The team employed advanced drilling and anchoring techniques to secure the floats in this challenging environment.

4. Hard and Non-Penetrable Surfaces: The use of chemical anchors was necessary due to the hard and non-penetrable surface. This required the use of specialized equipment and materials to ensure a secure and durable anchoring system.

5. Hard Soil Conditions: In some areas, RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) piles had to be used to provide a stable foundation for the floats due to the hard soil conditions.