Samastipur to Get Floating Solar Power Plant, 10,000 Homes to Benefit

Patna/Samastipur: A new floating solar power plant is set to be established in Samastipur through the Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency (Breda), marking the district’s first and the state’s third floating solar project. Similar installations have already been completed in Darbhanga, with another underway in Supaul. The project in Samastipur, costing Rs. 7 crore, is expected to provide green energy to around 10,000 homes.

The floating solar plant will be installed on one of 13 identified reservoirs in the district. These locations have been surveyed, and a proposal has been sent to Breda for final approval. Once operational, the plant is expected to generate 505 megawatt peak (MWp) of electricity, including 2 MW of clean, renewable energy.

In addition to providing power, the floating plant offers several environmental benefits. The solar installation will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions, conserve water, and lessen the demand for coal. The project also enables fish farming beneath the solar panels, supporting local aquaculture while generating electricity.

Breda’s project engineer, Sandeep Kumar, and surveyor, Sudhanshu Mishra, confirmed that the final selection of a reservoir is pending. The list of potential sites includes Raipur Khaimath, Lagma Khaimath, Pipra Sakmoria Man Chaur, and other locations across the district.

The floating solar project is part of Bihar’s broader Green Energy Project, which aims to increase the supply of electricity from renewable sources like solar and wind power. Electricity generated by the plant will be distributed through local power stations, ensuring that homes are connected to environmentally friendly energy. Breda has been entrusted with maintaining the plant for the next 25 years.

This project underlines Bihar’s commitment to clean energy solutions, helping reduce environmental impact while providing reliable power to thousands of households.