Jharkhand Progresses Towards Plans For 4 Solar Projects Adding Up To 80 MW

The state government of Jharkhand is in catch up mode with plans to develop four solar power parks in the state that is expected to reduce the dependence and share of the non-renewable energy sources in the state. As per the reports, the solar power parks will be collectively of  80 MW and once all the solar projects are complete, it will ease the load on coal based thermal power stations. Work on topography surveys and more was announced early in May last month.

The four solar power parks will come up in Garhwa, Palamu, Simdega, and Deoghar. The areas are already selected. The government has already floated tenders inviting bids for conducting topographic survey, geo-technical investigation, hydrological study and social & environmental impact over the identified areas for all solar power parks.

At this stage, it seems that the completion of the four solar power projects will take the installed renewable power capacity of Jharkhand to 450 MWs while the state government owned thermal power capacity will stay at 420 MWs.

According to reports, land worth 100 acres has already been identified for each of the upcoming four solar power plants.

Jharkhand’s Solar Quest

At present, only 52 MW of solar power plants are operating in the state. Recently, the Agriculture Secretary made a case for solar power based lift irrigation in Jharkhand and held that it will be implemented soon in the entire state. This came after the Chief Minister held that the state government will give encouragement for household based solar power installations by offering subsidies in Jharkhand.

Dalmia Cement has also committed Rs 250 crore to establish a solar power plant of 40 – 50 MW capacity. Similarly, Tata Power and Tata Steel are collaborating to develop solar power plants in the state and have signed PPAs for 25 years regarding rooftop, floating and ground mounted solar installations.

SECI has also notified a tender for the development of a 100 MW floating solar power project at Getalsud Dam that lies near Ranchi, the state capital.