Team News Riveting
Bhilai, June 30
As a major step towards the installation of a 15 MW capacity floating Solar Plant in Maroda-1 reservoir of SAIL-Bhilai Steel Plant, Anirban Dasgupta, Director I/c (SAIL-BSP), along with Ravindra Kumar, Chairman (NSPCL-Bhilai) & Director (Operations-NTPC) laid the foundation stone of the project at Maroda-1 reservoir on 30th June 2024.
Anirban Dasgupta and Ravindra Kumar performed Bhumi Pujan and unveiled the plaque to initiate this project. Green balloons were released into the sky to commemorate the foundation-laying ceremony of the installation of this 15 MW floating Solar Plant, which is the first floating solar plant in the state of Chhattisgarh.
Anirban Dasgupta, Director I/c (SAIL-BSP) in his address stated that this project shall be a big step towards supplying green energy to the Plant. The floating Solar Plant projects that we have envisioned, shall be completed in two phases at the Maroda-1 and Maroda-2 reservoirs. Also, another Solar Power Plant of 35 MW is proposed by SAIL-Bhilai Steel Plant, through NSPCL in the next phase at Nandini. The floating Solar Plant shall not only reduce water loss due to evaporation but also help reduce our carbon emissions and dependency on coal for power, thereby helping in producing Green Steel, he stated. Govt of India is promoting the generation of solar power as a priority area as it is helpful in tackling the challenge of global warming, said Shri. Anirban Dasgupta.
Ravindra Kumar, Chairman (NSPCL-Bhilai) & Director (Operations-NTPC) emphasized the importance of the project and highlighted NSPCL’s role in achieving India’s ambitious renewable energy targets and its contribution to a cleaner, greener future. This 15 MW floating solar power plant is not just a milestone for NSPCL but also a testament to our dedication to sustainable development. We are committed to advancing India’s renewable energy capabilities and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, he said.
The 15 MW capacity floating Solar Plant project in Maroda-1 reservoir is being implemented through NTPC-SAIL Power Supply Company Limited (NSPCL), a 50:50 joint venture company of National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). Total green power generation estimated from this plant is likely to be about 34.26 Million Units annually which will be consumed by Bhilai Steel Plant as captive power. This project is expected to reduce the CO2 emission of BSP by 28,330 Tonnes annually. NTPC is the consultant for this project. The project is scheduled to be completed by next year.
SAIL-Bhilai Steel Plant is committed to improving its carbon footprint. It is with this objective that various projects to achieve a reduction in carbon emissions, conservation of energy, and promotion of renewable energy are being taken up.
