As part of Neyveli Lignite Corporation’s (NLC) foray into solar power generation, the Navaratna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) has proposed to install solar-based power plants to the tune of 50 MW in Andaman.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has already been inked by NLC with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Andaman and Nicobar Administration in New Delhi on May 10.
The foundation stone for the project was laid by Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Island A.K. Singh on Monday in the presence of Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, Andaman and NLC Chairman-cum-Managing Director Sarat kumar Acharya. Arun Bakoka, Principal Secretary (Power) and P. Selvakumar, Director (Planning and Projects), NLC were present.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has prepared an action plan for Andaman and Nicobar Islands towards achieving its programme of green initiatives. NLC has been assigned the establishment of solar based power plants in Andaman with a view to phase out the usage of the diesel generation sets in the UT.
Mr. Acharya said NLC had proposed to install the solar power plants to the tune of 50 MW at Attam Pahar, South Andaman and at Kishorie Nagar in North Andaman. The projects will be established by NLC under the scheme of MNRE which provides 40 per cent of the capital cost as subsidy. The requisite land for the power plants has already been identified in Attam Pahar, Garacharna and the site preparation activities are underway for installation of 20 MW solar power project, he said.
To start with the 20 MW solar power project is proposed to be installed with sufficient capacity of battery energy storage system. The project will cater to the power needs of South Andaman with a fairly flat and firm power throughout the day and during the evening peak demand period.
This arrangement will considerably reduce diesel consumption for power generation thereby reducing environmental pollution. The cost of power generation will be less when compared to the current diesel-based power generation.
Unique system
Mr. Acharya said that NLC had also proposed to install a 30 MW power project in the North Andaman. The project will be linked with a pumped storage system of Kalpong Hydro Power station.
This is the first of its kind project in India wherein a part of the solar power generated from the project will be utilised for pumping of water from lower reservoir to upper reservoir during the day. This will ensure operation of the hydro power plant throughout the year.
