Floating solar plant in Ranchi likely to start in April

Ranchi: Union minister of state for defence and Ranchi MP Sanjay Seth on Tuesday said the 100 MW floating solar power plant at Getalsud dam on the city outskirts is nearing completion.

Built at a cost of Rs 500 crore and spread across 172 acres, the plant is expected to be inaugurated by April and will supply uninterrupted power to nearly 1 lakh households in the city. Developed by Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd, this is the first floating solar project in the state. Once operational, it will generate electricity from around 7 am to 6 pm daily, significantly enhancing power reliability.

The 132 kV double-circuit Getalsud-Hesagadh transmission line has also been completed, ensuring seamless integration with the grid.

The first phase of 50 MW power generation is expected to be commissioned shortly.

Seth met Union minister for new and renewable energy Pralhad Joshi in New Delhi to review the project’s progress and push for its early inauguration. After the meeting, Seth wrote on X, “...With its commissioning, the dream of zero power cuts for nearly one lakh households in Ranchi will be realised. I have requested (the) minister to inaugurate the project, and he has kindly agreed.”

Seth added, “I had proposed this project to the ministry of new and renewable energy in Dec 2021, and approval was granted within three months. I express my gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi for supporting this initiative.”

Seth highlighted that floating solar technology allows efficient utilisation of water bodies, reduces evaporation losses and saves land, while ensuring no adverse impact on the dam’s storage capacity or aquatic ecosystem.