KPCL to develop solar projects on thermal plant premises in Karnataka

As part of the Energy Department’s plan to increase the capacity of renewable energy, the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) will be setting up ground-mounted solar power projects at its three thermal power stations in the State.  

The power projects with a capacity of 100.1 Megawatts (MW) will be set up at Ballari Thermal Power Station (BTPS), Yermarus Thermal Power Station (YTPS) and Raichur Thermal Power Station (RTPS) at an estimated cost of ₹411.4 crore. 

Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC), which is a public-sector undertaking (PSU) under National Thermal Power Corporation Limited, will be overseeing the project and has already called for a tender. A private company will be allowed to set up these projects on an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model for a period of three years. 

The KPCL looks at the project as a way to balance energy generation while also increasing its capacity.

“As we have some land near all of these thermal plants, we decided to put down solar cells there. During the day, when solar energy production is high, we can turn down thermal production and save fuel, and thereby some cost too. When not much solar energy is available, we can push thermal plants to their normal levels. We want to tap solar energy and make the most use of it,” Gaurav Gupta, Managing Director, KPCL and Additional Chief Secretary, Energy Department, told The Hindu. 

Green Hydrogen project at BTPS 

The Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) recently invited a tender to set up a ground mounted solar plant with a 300 kilowatt (KW) green hydrogen plant at BTPS at an estimated cost of ₹13.08 crore. The private entity will be responsible for installation, testing, commissioning, and operation and maintenance of the project for 10 years.

This is a pilot project under which the green hydrogen will be used by KPCL.

“The green hydrogen produced by KREDL’s project will be used in-house by KPCL at BTPS. The hydrogen will be used for technical requirements of the thermal plant,” Mr. Gupta said. 

Recently, Energy Minister K. J. George had said that the Energy Department is in the process of sustainable capacity enhancement in Karnataka as demand for power is growing year on year. On February 4, the peak demand in Karnataka was 18,224 MW. During summer, the demand is expected to touch 19,000 MW, or higher, this year.