Patna: Bihar is exploring new electricity-generation projects, including nuclear power, floating solar plants and pumped-storage facilities, as the state looks to meet its future energy requirements and expand clean energy production.
Around 110 acres of land in Aurangabad have been identified for consideration for a nuclear energy project, according to a report on a meeting held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Vishal Raj, managing director of Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited (BSPGCL).
Officials from the Water Resources Department and the Minor Water Resources Department attended the meeting to discuss land availability, the use of reservoirs and water requirements for proposed energy projects.
The discussions focused on identifying suitable sites, resolving resource-related issues and improving coordination among departments. The nuclear project remains at the planning and assessment stage based on the information available.
110 Acres Identified in Aurangabad for Nuclear Project
The availability of land in Aurangabad was among the key issues discussed during the meeting.
Officials examined land requirements and the resources needed to take the proposed nuclear energy project forward. Water allocation was also discussed as part of the planning process.
The identification of land is an initial step and does not, by itself, mean that construction has been approved or that a nuclear power plant is ready to be built.
Further progress will depend on technical assessments, land-related decisions, water availability and the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities.
Floating Solar Plant Proposed at Fulwaria Reservoir
The meeting also considered the possibility of installing a floating solar power plant at Fulwaria reservoir.
Floating solar installations use water surfaces to accommodate solar panels, potentially reducing the need for large stretches of land.
Officials discussed the suitability of the reservoir and the availability of water resources for the proposed project. A joint inspection of identified sites is planned to assess their feasibility.
The initiative forms part of Bihar’s wider efforts to explore additional renewable energy sources.
Pumped-Storage Projects Also Under Consideration
Pumped-storage facilities were another focus of the discussions.
These projects can store energy by pumping water to a higher reservoir when electricity is available and releasing it through turbines when power demand rises.
The technology can help balance electricity supply, particularly when solar and other renewable sources produce varying amounts of power throughout the day.
Officials discussed the possibility of using suitable reservoirs for pumped-storage projects, with water availability and site suitability among the factors requiring further assessment.
Joint Committee to Inspect Potential Sites
BSPGCL Managing Director Vishal Raj directed officials to form a joint committee to inspect the identified locations and prepare details of available land.
The assessment will cover government-owned, private and barren land that could potentially be used for energy projects.
Officials have also been asked to accelerate the process of obtaining the required approvals and no-objection certificates (NOCs).
Coordination between the power-generation company and the departments responsible for land and water resources will be important in determining which projects can proceed.
Battery Storage to Help Meet Evening Demand
Alongside new generation projects, the state is also examining battery energy storage systems to address rising electricity demand during the evening.
Battery storage can retain electricity generated earlier and supply it when demand increases, helping improve the flexibility of the power system.
Energy Minister Shailesh Kumar, also known as Bulo Mandal, said Bihar was examining the potential of solar, pumped-storage and nuclear energy to meet the state’s growing electricity needs.
Energy Secretary and power company’s chairman-cum-managing director Ajay Yadav emphasised the need to resolve land, water-resource and approval-related issues promptly to ensure the timely implementation of energy projects.
Bihar Looks to Strengthen Future Power Supply
The proposed initiatives reflect Bihar’s effort to assess multiple sources of electricity generation and storage.
Nuclear energy, floating solar plants, pumped-storage facilities and battery storage are being examined as potential components of the state’s future energy infrastructure.
The immediate focus remains on site inspections, resource assessments, interdepartmental coordination and obtaining the necessary clearances. The timelines, capacity and final approval status of the proposed projects have not been established in the information available.
