Panel to study solar plant at Ujani dam

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has set up a committee to study issues related to the development of a 1,000-MW floating solar power plant at Ujani dam in Solapur district.

The committee will study the environmental impact of the project and monitor the month-wise water level of the dam.

"In order to set up solar plants large flat lands are required. But it is getting difficult to find so much empty land. Therefore, we have decided to explore the possibility of using the waterbed of Ujani dam to set up a floating solar power plant," an official said.

"The government has constituted a committee that will study the water levels of Ujani dam every month, the dependence on dam water, how electricity can be utilised while bringing down the cost of production and maintenance and obtain necessary permissions required for the project," he added.

Director (Commercial) of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL), Satish Chavan, has been appointed as the head of the committee.

The dam was built on a flat land and is easily accessible from all sides, which is an advantage as the solar panels are required to be monitored. The project seems to be feasible, said Chavan.   

Meanwhile, a meeting will be organised in Mumbai, which will be attended by officials from concerned departments, official added. Ujani dam has a total capacity of 110 TMC and  it has been constructed on a flat land with less depth. Hence, its waterbed is wide.