120 MWp floating solar project commissioned at Omkareshwar dam

Ciel & Terre Solar Private Limited, in partnership with Larsen & Toubro and SJVN Green Energy Limited, has commissioned a 120 MWp floating solar photovoltaic project at the Omkareshwar dam reservoir in Madhya Pradesh. The plant will supply power to Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited.

The project comprises 14 floating solar islands, each with a capacity of 8.5 MWp. It uses 407,699 Hydrelio aiR OPTIM 1400-3 floats arranged in a three-row configuration.

To suit the site’s hard rock conditions, the project introduces a new ‘rock bolt anchoring’ system developed by Ciel & Terre’s global research and development team. This system was tested over several years before implementation.

Additional innovations include a floating inverter barge made from reinforced fiberglass polymer. It is 30 per cent lighter and has a 50 per cent higher strength-to-weight ratio than steel, with the capacity to carry over 40 tonnes. This design helps lower structural costs.

The project also uses spin welding-based leakproof technology for floats. This feature limits water ingress and reduces the risk of structural cracks caused by high-temperature expansion.