Patna: The Bihar government has announced plans to develop the state’s largest floating solar power plant at the Phulwaria reservoir in Nawada district, a move officials have described as a landmark in the state’s energy transition.
The project, to be developed by the Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited, will have a capacity of 10 megawatts and is expected to supply electricity at affordable rates for the next 25 years. Officials said the initiative would strengthen Bihar’s power infrastructure while supporting new industrial growth across the state.
Located near Hardiya Panchayat in Rajauli block, the Phulwaria reservoir is already significant for water management, rural livelihoods and tourism. The floating solar project is designed around a dual-use concept articulated by chief minister Nitish Kumar — “fish farming below, electricity generation above” — allowing renewable energy production without disrupting existing fisheries.
⚡🌞 BIG GREEN PUSH IN BIHAR!
📍 Location: Phulwaria Reservoir, Rajauli block, Nawada
🏗️ Project: Bihar’s largest floating solar power plant
🔋 Key Highlights
- ⚡ 10 MW electricity generation capacity
- 🕒 Power supply assured for next 25 years
- 🌱 Clean, renewable and eco-friendly energy
🐟➕⚡ Unique Dual-Use Model
- 🐠 Fish farming below the water
- ☀️ Solar panels above the surface
- 🌍 Less land use, better sustainability
📊 Not the First, But the Biggest
- ✔️ Darbhanga: 1.6 MW floating solar
- ✔️ Supaul: 525 kW floating solar
- 🚀 Phulwaria: 10 MW – the largest in Bihar
Solar panels will be installed on floating structures on the surface of the reservoir, while fish farming activities continue underneath. The approach is seen as both space-efficient and environmentally sensitive, reducing land use while limiting evaporation losses from the water body.
Bihar has already begun experimenting with floating solar projects on a smaller scale, with operational installations in Darbhanga (1.6MW) and Supaul (525kW). The Phulwaria plant will significantly expand this capacity and, once completed, become the largest such installation in the state.
Officials said the project would help meet rising electricity demand, ensure more reliable power supply for households and industries, and contribute to Bihar’s broader clean energy and climate goals.
