Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP), a division of the Steel Authority of India (SAIL), will install Chhattisgarh’s inaugural 15 MW floating solar project at the Maroda-1 reservoir in Durg district. The initiative underscores BSP’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, conserving energy, and fostering renewable energy sources.
Implemented under NTPC-SAIL Power Supply (NSPCL), a joint venture equally owned by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and SAIL, the solar facility will harness the expansive waters of the Maroda reservoir, spanning 2.1 sq. km with a water storage capacity of 19 cubic mm.
Besides catering to the needs of the plant and its township, the project is anticipated to generate approximately 34.26 million units of clean energy annually, slated for internal consumption by BSP as captive power. Projections indicate a consequential reduction of 28,330 tons in CO2 emissions annually for BSP.
NTPC, entrusted with project consultancy, initiated the tender process in January, with the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract expected to be awarded imminently. Completion of the project is slated for the forthcoming year.
As reported by Projects Today, the pioneering endeavour by NSPCL marks the commencement of a green energy portfolio, enriching SAIL’s efforts toward eco-friendly steel production.
Furthermore, plans are underway for an additional 35 MW solar power plant at BSP through NSPCL, with a detailed project report already in place and tender processes set to commence shortly.
