Ciel & Terre, a France-based floating PV solutions supplier, has announced the completion of a 120 MWp floating solar array at Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh—its largest project in India. The project was developed in collaboration with L&T and SJVN Green Energy Ltd to generate power for Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Ltd (RUMSL).
The floating solar plant, built on the freshwater reservoir of Omkareshwar Dam, spans 20% (210 acres) of the total 1060-acre water area. It is expected to help offset over 1,13,406 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
The installation features 407,699 Hydrelio floats (aiR OPTIM 1400-3 model) in a three-row setup. The plant comprises 14 individual islands, each with a capacity of 8.5 MWp.
Ciel & Terre team used its newly developed anchoring technique ‘rock bolt anchoring’ to combat the hard rock surface. Further, it deployed a customized floating inverter barge based on reinforced fibre glass polymer. “The fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) barge is approved for deployment on rivers and lakes and can carry over 40 tons, which is ideal for power transformers, inverters and switchgears. It offers a 50% higher strength-to-weight ratio than steel while being 30% lighter and costing less,” stated Ciel & Terre.
In addition, the floating system is built using spin welding method to ensure leak-proof joints. This technology accommodates the thermal expansion of floats during high temperature to prevent any kind of water ingress as well as cracks to the float.
Ciel Et Terre India’s managing director and chief executive officer, Deepak Ushadevi, said: “Various challenges were faced during this project, such as torrential rain, floods, moderate winds to gusty winds, waves and weathered rock surfaces. We found solutions, adjusted and conserved each time. This experience not only strengthened our team but also enhanced our ability to deliver bigger and complex projects with even greater efficiency and bold innovations.”
Ciel & Terre has completed more than ten projects in India with cumulative capacity of 425+ MWp. Globally, it has commissioned 325+ projects in 30+ countries with a cumulative capacity of 3.2 GWp installed and under various stages.
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