KANNUR: The preliminary survey for setting up 56 floating solar power plants in water bodies in the state will begin next week. The Philippines model project has technical and financial assistance from the World Bank. It will be started on an experimental basis in water bodies like Kallar and Malampuzha.

The Electricity department expects that 4000 units of electricity can be generated per day from each of the plants. A hydrographic study of water bodies will be done along with a preliminary survey followed by a detailed survey. As soon as this is completed, the tender process will be initiated. The opinion of locals and environmentalists will be sought. The target is to start power generation by next year.

The heads of the Electricity department and the CEO of ANERT had completed the last round of talks with the World Bank officials last week. It is a completely eco-friendly project.

Cost of construction

• 60-100 crores per solar plant
• The area is one to two acres

Benefits

• No space required
• Electricity rates will decrease
• Uninterrupted power

Solar plants installed on water bodies can overcome the power crisis of the state.

K Krishnan Kutty,

Minister for Electricity

In addition to being environmentally friendly, the project will also address people's grievances.

Narendra Nath Veluri,

CEO, ANERT