Bihar inaugurates canal bank solar power project at Bikram
Introduction
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated a Canal Bank Solar Power Project at Bikram in Patna district as part of the State's emphasis on renewable energy under the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Campaign. Developed on land belonging to the Water Resources Department, the project generates 2 MW of solar power using canal-side land, promoting green energy, efficient land utilisation, and affordable electricity.
Analysis
Promoting renewable energy through innovative land use
The Canal Bank Solar Power Project demonstrates an innovative approach to renewable energy generation by utilizing vacant land along irrigation canals. Such projects help optimize otherwise underutilized public land without affecting agricultural productivity.The initiative contributes to:
- Expansion of renewable energy capacity.
- Productive utilisation of canal-side land.
- Reduction in dependence on fossil fuels.
- Sustainable infrastructure development.
- Efficient public asset management.
Advancing the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Campaign
The project has been implemented as part of Bihar's Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Campaign, which promotes water conservation, environmental protection, afforestation, and renewable energy.The integration of solar infrastructure with canal systems reflects an approach that combines:
- Environmental sustainability.
- Climate change mitigation.
- Green energy transition.
- Resource-efficient development.
Cost-effective power generation
The project generates 2 MW of electricity, which the Bihar Government will purchase at ₹3.10 per unit.According to the article, this is substantially lower than the ₹5.50 per unit that the State currently pays for conventional power procurement.Lower procurement costs can contribute to:
- Reduced power purchase expenditure.
- Improved financial sustainability of electricity distribution.
- Affordable electricity supply.
- Long-term fiscal savings.
Public-Private Partnership through RESCO model
The project has been established under the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model.Under this arrangement:
- A private developer installs, owns, operates and maintains the solar power plant.
- The government provides land on lease.
- The government purchases electricity at a pre-agreed tariff.
- No upfront capital investment is required from the State Government.
This model facilitates faster deployment of renewable energy while minimizing public expenditure.
Efficient utilisation of public land
The Government has leased 5.7 acres of canal-side land spread over a 4-km stretch to the private developer for 25 years.Currently:
- Solar panels have been installed along 2 km.
- Remaining land is proposed for future expansion.
Such utilisation of canal banks prevents encroachment while creating productive public infrastructure.
Environmental and economic benefits
The project contributes to multiple sustainable development objectives:
- Reduction in carbon emissions.
- Promotion of pollution-free electricity.
- Diversification of Bihar's energy mix.
- Increased energy security.
- Employment generation during construction and maintenance.
- Promotion of green economic growth.
Replicability across Bihar
The article notes that BREDA plans to develop several similar canal-side solar projects across the State.Expansion of this model can:
- Increase renewable energy capacity.
- Improve energy accessibility.
- Support India's clean energy transition.
- Enhance resilience of the power sector.
- Promote decentralized renewable energy generation.
Key Features
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Project | Canal Bank Solar Power Project |
| Location | Bikram, Patna district |
| Installed Capacity | 2 MW |
| Land Utilised | 5.7 acres |
| Canal Stretch | 4 km (2 km currently utilised) |
| Electricity Purchase Price | ₹3.10 per unit |
| Lease Period | 25 years |
| Implementation Model | RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) |
Static Part
Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Campaign (Bihar)
Launched by
Objectives
- Water conservation.
- Afforestation.
- Promotion of renewable energy.
- Climate resilience.
- Environmental protection.
- Sustainable natural resource management.
Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency (BREDA)
Established
Administrative Department
- Energy Department, Government of Bihar
Headquarters
Present Chairman (as mentioned in the article)
Functions
- Promotion of renewable energy.
- Solar energy development.
- Energy conservation.
- Implementation of clean energy projects.
- Promotion of sustainable energy technologies.
RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) Model
Meaning
A financing and implementation model in which a private developer:
- Finances the project.
- Installs solar infrastructure.
- Owns and operates the plant.
- Maintains the system.
- Supplies electricity to the client under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
Advantages
- No upfront capital investment by the client.
- Lower financial burden on governments.
- Professional operation and maintenance.
- Faster deployment of renewable energy.
- Predictable electricity tariffs.
Canal-top / Canal-bank Solar Projects
Advantages
- Efficient utilisation of unused land.
- No acquisition of agricultural land.
- Reduction in evaporation losses (particularly in canal-top projects).
- Promotion of renewable energy.
- Lower environmental footprint.
- Improved land productivity.
Updated – 04 June 2025 | 07:26 PM IST | News Source – ETV Bharat