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NHPC plans 600 megawatt solar project at Koyna dam in Maharashtra

State-run NHPC Ltd is planning to set up a 600 MW solar power project at Koyna hydel power complex in Maharashtra as part of an initiative to expand its solar portfolio.The firm is already carrying out the feasibility and financial viability study for the project, wherein it plans to set up floating solar panels with pumped storage system, a senior company official said.

“We want to expand our solar portfolio and we are continuously looking out for opportunities. We are looking at setting up a floating solar project of around 600 MW at the Koyna complex in Satara district of Maharashtra,” NHPC technical director Balraj Joshi told PTI.The Koyna project, run by the Maharashtra State Electricity Board, is the largest completed hydroelectric power plant in the country with a total capacity of 1,960 MW. It is a complex project with four dams, including the largest dam on Koyna river.Joshi said various departments are currently carrying out the feasibility and technical and financial viability studies.

“The gestation period of construction of hydroelectric project is relatively longer than any other projects. Also,the uncertainty of the monsoons and geological problems make it difficult to set up hydel projects. Therefore, we want to expand in the solar sector. At Koyna, we plan to develop the project on solar hybrid model,” he said.The official said once the work commences, it will take almost five years to complete.