Apart from bearing the tag of being home to one of the first hydro-electric power projects in Asia, Shivanasamudra is now set to host a 5 MW solar power plant, which would be fully functional by mid-April.
The installation of the solar plant located near the Gaganachukki Waterfalls in Belakawadi village of
Mandya district was awarded by Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited to Bharath Heavy Electricals Limited.
The solar power plant project is being executed by Bangalore-based Eversun Energy Private Limited (EEPL). Work on the project started in October last year and is estimated to cost Rs 75 crore.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, EEPL head projects (India) Bhaskar Joshi said that the 3 MW would be connected to the grid by the end of March. The remaining 2 MW would be supplied by April 15 to Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited.
Visitors to Gaganachukki waterfalls can now have the advantage of seeing both hydro-electric and solar power project at a single place.
Along with implementation of the solar project, EEPL is also constructing a boundary wall around the solar power plant as part of a security measure.
Hunt for location
In addition to the 5 MW solar power plant, sources said a search for location to construct a 10 MW plant is also being planned. He said work would begin immediately once the location is identified.
With solar proving to be a environmental-friendly option and temperatures soaring across the state, the solar power plant play a crucial role in meeting the power requirements in the State.