HP Will Explore Possibilities Of Floating Solar Power Plants In Reservoirs: Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu

The state of Himachal Pradesh is actively pursuing green energy. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu signed, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Himachal Pradesh and Oil India Limited (OIL) to create a framework for cooperation in utilising and developing NRES (New and Renewable Energy Sources) in the State. He said that the signing of this MoU was an important milestone in advancing sustainable development in Himachal and realising the state's ambition to become the nation's first Green Energy State by March 31, 2026. 

In addition to developing ground-mounted solar power projects, the Chief Minister stated that the corporation would look into the possibility of constructing floating solar power plants in various water reservoirs throughout the State. According to him, the OIL can also build up a facility for the temporary production of green hydrogen and green ammonia. He said that HP has a wealth of renewable energy resources and the ability to produce green hydrogen, and that the state administration has launched numerous projects to maximise this potential. He requested that a team of experts be dispatched by the company's officers to check the project sites the following week. He announced that a review meeting would be conducted on May 26, 2023, to talk about the projected projects.  The CM asked the company to avoid unnecessary delays in establishing these projects. 

According to Sukhu, the development of various NRES technologies, such as solar energy, green hydrogen, compressed biogas, geothermal energy, and wind energy, will be the main focus of the collaboration between the Government of HP and OIL. The collaboration would also make it easier for new projects to be launched in the State, which would lead to the creation of employment opportunities and boost regional economic growth.

The Chief Minister believed that this MoU would help the state considerably advance its energy industry and its energy objectives. He highlighted OIL's contributions to the government's goal of creating a cleaner, greener State. He went on to say that the alliance offers a wonderful chance for cooperation and convergence on both sides. According to the Chief Minister, it would support the deployment of cutting-edge renewable energy technology in the state, foster research and development, and build a resilient and sustainable energy system.

Harshwardhan Chauhan, Chief Parliamentary Secretary; Sunder Singh Thakur, CMD of Oil India Limited; Dr. Ranjit Rath, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister; Ram Subhag Singh, Chief Secretary; Prabodh Saxena, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister; Bharat Khera, Secretary, MPP & Power; Rajiv Sharma, OSD to the Chief Minister; Gopal Sharma, Director Personnel & Finance, HPPCL; Dr. Amit Kumar Sharma, CEO