Chandigarh’s green energy drive is gaining momentum with a 4 MW floating solar power plant set to be commissioned at Sector 39 water works in the coming financial year. This will be the largest floating solar plant in North India and is part of the Union Territory’s ambitious plan to install 8 MWp solar projects by 2025-26. The project, estimated at ₹24 crore, will be implemented by Crest (Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society), UT.
Floating solar plants not only generate renewable energy but also help in water conservation by reducing evaporation. Currently, Chandigarh has three floating solar plants with a total capacity of 5 MWp. Additionally, a 3 MWp floating solar power plant is ready for energization and is expected to be operational by March 31, 2025.
As of February 2024, Chandigarh boasts a total installed solar capacity of 89.689 MWp across 10,234 government and private buildings. The UT is the first in India to cover all government buildings, including residential and office spaces, with rooftop solar installations, amounting to a combined capacity of 52.852 kWp.
Expanding its renewable energy infrastructure, the UT administration is exploring new locations, including large parks and cycle tracks, for solar power installations. Saurabh Kumar, Director, Department of Environment, stated, “We are conducting feasibility studies for installing solar plants in parks and along cycle tracks, ensuring financial viability, aesthetic integration, and ease of maintenance.” With approximately 200 km of cycle tracks in the city, several sections offer viable spots for solar panel installations, further strengthening Chandigarh‘s commitment to clean energy.
