Neyveli Lignite to set up 20 MW solar project in Andaman and Nicobar

Part of MNRE proposal to install solar power plants of 50 MW

Neyveli Lignite Corporation Ltd., a Navratna Public Sector Enterprise, will set up a 20 mega watt (MW) solar project in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has picked NLC to establish solar-based power plants in Andaman with a view to phase out the usage of the diesel generator sets.

MNRE has proposed to install solar power plants of about 50 MW at Attam Pahar, South Andaman and at Kishorie Nagar, North Andaman.

These projects will be established by NLC under an MNRE scheme, wherein the latter provides 40% of the capital cost as subsidy.

As a part of the actions initiated jointly by NLC and Andaman & Nicobar Administration, the requisite land has been identified in Attam Pahar, Garacharma and the site preparation activities are under way for installing 20 MW solar power project.

CMD, NLC in his address, pointed out that this 20 MW solar power project is proposed to be installed with sufficient capacity of battery energy storage system to cater the power needs of South Andaman with a fairly flat and firm power throughout the day time and the evening peak demand period. This arrangement will considerably reduce diesel consumption for power generation thereby limiting the environment pollution. The cost of power generation will also be less compared to the current diesel based power generation in Andaman.

He added, a 30 MW solar project will be established in the North Andaman which will be linked with a pumped storage system of Kalpong Hydro Power Station. This is the first of its kind in India wherein a part of the solar power generated from this project will be utilised for pumping of water from lower reservoir to upper reservoir in the daytime. This will ensure operation of the hydro power plant throughout the year.