The Bihar government has approved the installation of a 10-megawatt (MW) solar power plant along the Western Son Canal. This project is part of a larger state initiative to use existing canal infrastructure for producing renewable energy without the need for additional land acquisition. The Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited (BSPGCL) will be responsible for building and operating the plant after receiving a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Water Resources Department.
Details of the 10 MW Solar Power Project
The new solar plant will be located on the embankment of the Western Son Canal, focusing on an initial one-kilometer stretch. The project will cover approximately 80,000 square feet and aims to provide clean energy to local residents while solving issues like voltage fluctuations in nearby areas. A land survey for the project is already complete, and the tendering process is expected to begin shortly.
- Project Capacity: 10 Megawatt (MW)
- Location: Western Son Canal embankment
- Implementation: Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited (BSPGCL)
- Land Usage: Approximately 80,000 square feet
Policy Benefits and Future Expansion Plans
This initiative aligns with the Bihar Renewable Energy Policy 2025, which sets a target of 23.97 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. The policy offers several incentives, including exemptions on electricity duty and SGST for 15 to 20 years. If this pilot project on the Western Son Canal is successful, the state government plans to expand the model to other major water bodies like the Kosi and Gandak rivers.
| Related Project | Capacity | Location/Status |
|---|---|---|
| Bikram Lock Canal | 2 MW | Patna (Operational) |
| Floating Solar Plant | 1.72 MW | Darbhanga (Operational) |
| Phulwaria Dam | 10 MW | Nawada (Planned) |
| Kajra Solar Project | 185 MW | Lakhisarai (Phase 1 Commissioned) |
