Visakhapatnam: To adapt the Gujarat model, the Greater Visakhapatnam Smart City Corporation Limited (GVSCCL) has invited proposals for the construction of a 5-MW solar power plant atop the Raiwada canal.

Gujarat introduced the setting up of solar power plants over a canal in 2012. Asked if they have studied the results of the project implemented in Gujarat, GVSCCL executive engineer Sudhakar said, “Our consultants have gone through the projects in Gujarat and have concluded it was doing well. We have floated Request for Proposals for the project. The bidders will have to submit the proposals by September 30.”

Interested party will have to enter into a PPA (power purchase agreement) with Discom or others for supply of solar power for 25 years. The plan of GVSCCL is, however, is to ensure providing solar power at less than `5. “We will allow the successful bidder to develop the project and operate and maintain it for 25 years on right to use basis. Ownership of the canal top shall remain with GVSCCL. The bidder has to submit survey of the project site to ascertain on their own, the space available for solar installations, canal features, canal banks as well as existing plantation along the banks of the canal. The bidder’s job will include all associated works like obtaining a no objection certificate (NOC) from the distribution company (Discom) for grid connectivity, complete design, engineering, manufacturing, supply, storage, civil work, erection, testing and commissioning of the grid connected canal-top solar PV,” said the executive engineer.

Environmentalists, however, express concern, saying that in urban areas canals and reservoirs act as wetlands for birds.

Covering such canals with PV panels essentially destroys these wetlands, and if combined with the uprooting of trees, this would shrink greenery.