Chandigarh has formally opened North India's biggest floating solar power plant, a major step in the region's renewable energy effort. The green energy project will not only support the city's sustainability effort but also help minimize carbon emissions.
Inauguration Highlights: Shri Banwari Lal Purohit, the Governor and Administrator of Chandigarh inaugurated the 2 MWp floating solar power plant on 26th March, 2025.
Place and Capacity: Installed at Water Works in Sector 39, the plant operates at a capacity of 2 MWp and will produce some 2.8 million units of electricity a year.
Environmental Impact: The project is projected to reduce approximately 80,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, largely helping Chandigarh in its fight against climate change.
Investment and Development: Constructed by Hartek Solar under the aegis of the Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society (CREST), the project is an investment of ₹11.70 crore.
Future Plans: Chandigarh intends to increase its solar energy facilities with more projects, with a target of having a total of 8 MWp solar installations by the close of the financial year 2025-26.
Community Engagement: The inauguration ceremony was graced by different dignitaries, such as local MPs and officials, to highlight community participation in the adoption of renewable energy projects.
Other Projects: Besides this floating solar power plant, another 500 kWp floating solar power project was commissioned at Dhanas Lake, which will provide energy to all the buildings of the Chandigarh Forest Department.
This project not only increases Chandigarh's renewable energy capacity but also acts as a model for other areas in India planning to shift towards sustainable energy solutions.
Sources: Hartek Group, Elets eGov, Ornate Solar, Economic Times, Indian Express