INDORE: A severe storm has inflicted significant damage on the world’s largest floating plant located at Omkareshwar Dam.
The evaluation of the damage is currently underway by the Narmada Hydroelectric Development Corporation (NHDC), with reassurances that the plant will soon return to full power production. Notably, the operational section of the plant, which commenced last week, bore the brunt of the storm’s impact.
Constructed on the backwaters of Omkareshwar Dam, the floating plant faced strong 50kmph winds during a summer storm on Tuesday, leading to substantial damage. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries among the employees.
This plant is a collaborative effort between the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and the government of Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, plans are in place to establish plants with capacities of 100 megawatts in Kelwa Khurd, 88 megawatts in Indawadi, and 90 megawatts in Ekhand village within the Omkareshwar Dam backwaters.
The Kelwa Khurd village’s 100MW project by AMP Company is nearing completion, with ongoing grid connections. However, the Indawadi plant suffered significant damage to its solar panels and other equipment.
NHDC subdivisional officer Suresh Dwivedi stated that there was a “major loss” concerning the solar panels installed for the plant, with officials currently assessing the extent of the damage. The survey is expected to conclude within two days.
Despite the setback caused by the storm, senior officials express optimism that power production from the plant will resume shortly. They anticipate reaching a power production capacity of 100 MW by the end of April.
#Nature & #Narmad #River ‘s fury disrupts one of the largest floating solar panel plant on Omkareshwar #Dam reservoir which was being opposed by Fisher people for causing disruption to their fishing rights. Clip shared by @NarmadaBachao activist @iAlokAgarwal pic.twitter.com/Cvx5nSJ0Ku
— Nandini K Oza (@OzaNandini) April 10, 2024
