Minister asks officials to prepare proposals for solar and pumped storage projects

Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy has directed officials to utilise irrigation lands, reservoirs and canal systems for solar power generation. Feasibility studies indicate potential for up to 7,000 MW capacity, helping reduce power costs and create sustainable energy sources

Hyderabad: Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Tuesday directed officials to identify and use available irrigation lands, reservoirs and canal systems for solar power generation on priority.

Reviewing irrigation power requirements at Jala Soudha here, the Minister said the State government was spending heavily on power for irrigation projects and lift schemes. The department must explore solar and pumped storage projects wherever possible to reduce long-term power costs and create sustainable energy sources, he said.

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“Officials can use in-house technical expertise or even draft the services of professional agencies from outside to prepare the proposals,” Uttam Kumar said.

Feasibility studies were conducted at some 16 reservoirs. Even if around 10 per cent 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.

The Minister asked the department to work on this proposal and coordinate with the concerned Chief Engineers and nodal agencies to prepare a clear way forward. Locations such as Manjira and Singur could be explored for this purpose, he suggested.

A canal-based solar project under the BOOT model (Build Own Operate and Transfer) was also discussed during the meeting. The project was proposed on a canal stretch of about 15 kms between Jagora and Chandora. The model would not require government capital investment or land acquisition, as the existing canal system would be used.

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, officials said.