Use irrigation land to generate solar power: Uttam

Hyderabad: Irrigation minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy asked the officials to identify and use available lands, reservoirs and canal systems for solar power generation on a priority basis, stating that the govt was spending heavily on electricity for irrigation projects and lift schemes. He said locations such as Manjeera and Singur projects could be explored for this purpose. The department should also explore the feasibility of solar and pumped storage projects wherever possible to reduce long-term power costs and create sustainable energy sources, the minister said.

Reviewing the irrigation department’s power requirements at Jala Soudha with senior officials, the minister said the department should move beyond routine project execution and actively create its own power sources. He said solar projects on irrigation lands and canals should be treated as priority.

“Feasibility studies were conducted at some 16 reservoirs. Even if around 10% of suitable reservoir and irrigation land area was used, it would create potential to install nearly 6,000 to 7,000 MW of solar power capacity,” he said. The minister directed the department to work on the proposal and coordinate with the chief engineers concerned and nodal agencies to prepare a clear roadmap for implementation.

A canal-based solar project under the BOOT (Build Own Operate and Transfer) model was also presented during the meeting. The project has been proposed along a 15-km canal stretch between Jagora and Chandora. The minister said the model would not require govt capital investment or land acquisition, as the existing canal system would be utilised. The project could support a 20 MW solar power system, generate around 340 lakh units annually and meet the project’s requirement of about 84 lakh units. The surplus energy of about 255 lakh units could be sold, generating revenue of nearly Rs 11.5 crore per year.

The model also projected annual power savings of about RS 6.2 crore, amounting to nearly Rs 155 crore over 25 years. The project would provide assured power and water support for around 8,000 acres, besides offering environmental benefits such as renewable energy generation, canal cooling and reduced evaporation. “Solar projects on all available irrigation land should be the first priority. Other revenue sources can be taken up later, he said.