Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society undertook the two projects to generate over 35 Lakh kWh of solar energy per year
In a recent update from India’s first planned city, Chandigarh inaugurated North India’s largest floating solar project of 2000 kWp at Water Works. While unveiling the floating solar plant, the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, Banwari Lal Purohit also inaugurated a 500 kWp floating solar project with fountains at Dhanas Lake in Chandigarh. CREST (Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society) designed and executed these projects which are expected to generate over 35 Lakh Units (kWh) of solar energy per year with 20 per cent module efficiency.
As per reports, the 2000 kWp floating solar power plant at Water Works has been installed at a total cost of Rs 11.7 crores. The solar plant at Dhanas Lake cost around Rs 3.34 crores.
While appreciating the efforts of CREST and the Forest & Wildlife Department for developing and beautifying the Dhanas Lake, Mr Purohit urged the citizens to install rooftop solar power on their residential houses, office buildings, and factories to tap solar energy.
The regional MP Kirron Kher also marked her presence at the inauguration event. She expressed her happiness to see the lake rising to a different height with this project of a floating solar plant along with fountains that have beautified the lake and also create mass awareness towards solar energy.
Saying that Chandigarh was a land-locked city and rooftop solar plants were the only option for green electricity generation here, CREST CEO Debendra Dalai added that the energy needs for all buildings and offices under the Forest Department would be met through the Dhanas lake plant. He further stated that 70% of the revenue generated from the 2MWp plant would be deposited in the government treasury and the balance 30% would be given to the Municipal Corporation.