Moving towards reducing its dependence on fossil fuel and reducing carbon footprints, India is all set to install the world’s largest floating solar power plant in Madhya Pradesh soon.

This plant will be on river Narmada as the State Government signed a contract for the first phase of the project. To be ready by 2022-23 it is estimated to cost Rs.3,000 crores.

To be built on the backwaters of the Omkareshwar Dam it will be one of only 10 floating solar power plants in the world. With a capacity of 600 MW infrastructure, it will enjoy the distinction of being the world's largest solar project to be built on water.

According to the State Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan by 2027 "the renewable energy potential of Madhya Pradesh will be 20,000 megawatts". He observed: "The State Government is on the path of making Madhya Pradesh the lungs of India along with the heart of India. Madhya Pradesh will make every possible contribution towards fulfilling all the commitments of India and the Panchamrit Mantra given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Glasgow Conference for Climate Change.”

Elaborating on the advantages of a floating plant, the CM said that since no land is needed for the project, people would not be displaced.  "Due to the installation of solar panels on the surface of the water, the water will not evaporate as steam. With this, 60 to 70 per cent of water will be saved. This is equal to the drinking water of Bhopal residents for 124 days.”

He went on to add that the plant would help in reduction of algae growth thereby keeping the water drinkable.

At present, India’s largest floating solar power project is fully operational at Ramagundam, Telangana from July 1 this year.

Also read: India commissions its largest floating solar power project in Telangana