Srinagar, Aug 14: India’s first floating solar power project is all set to come up at Dal Lake.
Aimed to suffice electricity needs, the 100 KW solar power project is scheduled for commissioning within the next two weeks.
Located adjacent to the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), the innovative floating solar plant will significantly contribute to the Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA). It will provide electricity to various LCMA facilities, including its buildings, fountains, and the infrastructure developed by the authority within the lake.
As per the officials, the floating solar power plant will utilize solar panels mounted on floating platforms, allowing for efficient energy generation without occupying valuable land resources.
“The concept of rooftop solar power plants has been there for many years now. We are introducing a floating solar power plant now which is the first of its kind in north India. This solar power plant doesn’t utilize any land and is very efficient,” said Dr. P R Dhar, Chief Executive Officer of Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency.
He said more than 90 percent work related to the project has been completed. “The project will be commissioned within 10-15 days,” Dhar said.
CEO JAKEDA said the project will emerge as an attraction for the tourists apart from sufficing the energy needs to LCMA.
“There will be a selfie point at the project site. The advantage of having this project at Dal Lake is that there will be wide publicity about floating solar power plants. It has been designed in such a way that it will attract tourists at large,” he said.
Dhar said they are planning to introduce more such projects in different water bodies to promote sustainable energy in Jammu and Kashmir. “This is a demonstration project. Ore such projects will come up in future as Jammu and Kashmir has abundant water resources which can be well utilized for such purposes,” he said.
Dhar claimed floating solar power plants are more efficient and are very common in Europe.
“Given its base on water, these solar power plants don’t easily heat up. They get maximum radiation and provide more electricity,” he said.
