Bhubaneswar, Jul 20: The Odisha government is moving ahead with plans to harness renewable energy by setting up Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) projects on medium-sized reservoirs across the state. As part of the initiative, six reservoirs have been identified for a feasibility study, following which two reservoirs will be selected for the implementation of floating solar power projects.

A comprehensive assessment has already been completed at Harabhangi Dam in Gajapati district. The inspection team will visit Ramial Dam in Dhenkanal and Derjang Dam in Angul on July 20 and 21, followed by Jharbandh Dam in Bargarh and Gohira Dam in Deogarh on July 22 and 23. Officials will evaluate the technical feasibility, power generation potential and overall benefits of installing floating solar panels on these reservoirs.

The survey will also include inspections of nearby Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) substations to assess grid connectivity and determine how the maximum amount of electricity can be transmitted from the proposed projects. Based on the findings, two reservoirs will be shortlisted for project implementation.

According to Sushil Kumar Behera, Chief Engineer of the State Water Resources Department, the feasibility study will be carried out jointly by officials from the Energy Department, Industries Department, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department, Forest and Environment Department, Tourism Department, along with representatives from GRIDCO and OPTCL. The collaborative exercise aims to ensure that the selected projects are technically viable, environmentally sustainable and capable of contributing significantly to Odisha's clean energy goals.