NHPC Collaborates With Norwegian Firm To Develop Floating Solar

NTPC Collaborates With Ocean Sun To Develop Floating Solar Proj

NHPC recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Norway-based company Ocean Sun. Through this collaboration, the Norwegian technology provider would support India in building floating solar projects.

In a social media post, the company announced it would explore key areas of cooperation for the demonstration of Ocean Sun’s floating solar energy technology. The company plans to develop mounted solar PV on a hydro-elastic membrane at relevant sites, identified by NHPC. Ocean Sun announced that through this collaboration, a 2MW floating solar project is expected to be developed on one of NHPC’s existing hydropower reservoirs.  

The hydro-elastic membrane developed by Ocean Sun to provide a cost-effective and durable solution for floating solar energy designed on any type of water body including offshore, since the system can withstand harsh ocean and weather conditions. This technology is composed of silicon PV module deployed on special floating membrane structure. The hydroelastic property of the thin polymer prevents the breaking of waves and saltwater intrusion similar to the effect of oil on water. 

Earlier this year, companies such as Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) issued a tender for the supply, and commissioning of outdoor grid-connected power conditioning units (PCU) for a 300MW AC capacity floating solar power project at Rengali, Odisha.

Similarly, NTPC has also issued a tender inviting bids for a 26 MW floating solar project at the reservoir of NTPC Sipat. The bidding will take place in a single stage two envelop process including a techno-commercial bid and price bide followed by reverse auction. The last date for submitting the bid is 28 March and the bid will open on the same day. These upcoming projects reflect the growing interest in building floating solar projects in India.

Floating solar projects have emerged as a good alternative for many states where there is dearth of available land for large utility-scale ground-mounted projects. Several states like Bihar, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh and others have increased their reliance on floating solar projects to infuse more renewable power into their grid and also aid in their compliance of Renewable Energy Obligations (RPO).