PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, March 11: Jharkhand is set to receive a major boost in renewable energy infrastructure with the installation of a grid-connected floating solar power plant at the Maithon Dam reservoir.
The project, valued at over ₹1,180 crore, will be developed on the water body operated by the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) and is expected to be completed within about one and a half years.
The floating solar facility will be built on the reservoir surface, allowing electricity generation without occupying large tracts of land. Officials say the project will significantly strengthen the region’s green energy capacity while making effective use of existing water infrastructure.
EPC Contract Awarded
The Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract for the project has been awarded to Oriana Power, which will handle the complete design, engineering and installation of the floating solar photovoltaic facility.
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The company will also manage the procurement and supply of plant equipment, as well as the execution of the solar installation.
Following commissioning, Oriana Power will undertake the operation and maintenance of the plant for the long term, ensuring stable power generation and system performance.
Boost to Clean Energy
Once operational, the floating solar plant is expected to generate a substantial amount of clean electricity, strengthening the renewable energy portfolio of the Damodar Valley Corporation.
Floating solar technology offers several advantages. Solar panels installed on water bodies typically operate more efficiently due to the natural cooling effect of water, which helps maintain panel performance. The system also reduces the need for land acquisition, making it suitable for densely populated regions.
Step Toward Sustainable Power
Energy officials say the project aligns with India’s broader push toward expanding renewable energy capacity and lowering carbon emissions.
The Maithon floating solar plant is also expected to become one of the largest projects of its kind in eastern India, marking a significant step in Jharkhand’s transition toward sustainable and low-carbon electricity generation.