Energy Secretary Bishnupada Sethi has said Odisha is planning to go forward in a big way in its endeavour to be carbon neutral while facilitating to gradually phase out high-carbon thermal energy production in the State.
With feasibility study complete on floating PV development over 12 water bodies in the hydro reservoirs, Odisha is all ready to deploy low carbon energy production systems and to improve energy efficiency, thereby contributing to the mitigation of global climate change, said Sethi.
The feasibility study which was undertaken on 12 water bodies namely, the hydro reservoirs of Balimela, Upper Kolab, Indravati, Hirakud and Rengali and the water irrigation reservoirs of Telengiri, Hariharjore, Mandira, Jambhira, Salandi, Sorada Ghai and Bhanjanagar (both part of the Rushikulya system), has come out with encouraging outcomes, said sources in knowledge of the development. The work, carried out was undertaken under the “Clean Energy Cooperation with India" (CECI) framework, supported by the European Union.
Responding to a query about the need of floating solar power when the long term thermal PPAs are operational in the State, chief technical adviser (CTA) of the EU TA Agostinho Miguel Garcia said as per policy decision being taken at the Central Government level, the old and high cost thermal power plants would be phased out gradually and be replaced by cleaner options like solar/ floating solar.
While solar sources will meet the day time load requirements, thermal plants will come down to technical minimum and will ramp up during evening hours to cater to peak demands along with hydro, he said adding that States with available options can also develop pumped storage power plants and grid storage concept to integrate renewable energy in a larger scale.
Answering to points raised by the Principal Secretary, Finance and Secretary, Fisheries and ARD regarding impact on the livelihood of fishing cooperatives/ licencees and aquatic flora and fauna, Garcia stated that, for hydro reservoirs the impact will be very negligible, as only 1-3 per cent of the water surface area is proposed to be
utilised.