Hyderabad: Irrigation Minister Captain N. Uttam Kumar Reddy has directed officials to prioritise irrigation solar power projects by utilising available department lands, reservoirs and canal networks across Telangana.
Chairing a high-level review meeting at Jalasoudha, the Minister said the Irrigation Department should move beyond project construction and maintenance and focus on creating its own power generation resources.
He instructed officials to immediately prepare proposals for solar energy projects on irrigation lands and canal systems. According to the Minister, the department incurs substantial electricity expenditure every year for lift irrigation schemes and other water projects.
Irrigation solar power projects to reduce energy costs
Uttam Kumar Reddy said solar energy and pumped storage opportunities should be explored extensively to reduce long-term power costs and increase renewable energy generation.
He asked officials to utilise the expertise of departmental engineers and engage external agencies whenever necessary to prepare comprehensive proposals.
The Minister also directed officials to use existing studies and presentations to expedite project planning.
“Solar power projects on available irrigation lands should receive top priority. We can focus on other revenue sources later,” he said.
Officials informed the meeting that feasibility studies had already been conducted at around 16 reservoirs across the state.
According to the presentation, utilising just 10 percent of the available area around suitable reservoirs and irrigation lands could create solar generation capacity ranging from 6,000 MW to 7,000 MW.
The Minister instructed officials to prepare a detailed action plan and coordinate with chief engineers and nodal agencies for implementation.
Irrigation solar power plans include floating solar projects
Uttam Kumar Reddy also asked officials to examine floating solar projects in reservoirs such as Manjira and Singur.
During the meeting, officials presented a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model for generating solar power over irrigation canals.
The proposed project covers a 15-kilometre canal stretch between Jagora and Chandora. Officials said the project would not require government investment or land acquisition.
The canal-top solar facility is expected to generate 20 MW of power and produce around 340 lakh units of electricity annually.
Of the total generation, approximately 84 lakh units would meet project requirements. The remaining 255 lakh units could be sold, generating annual revenue of about ₹11.5 crore.
Irrigation solar power initiative offers long-term benefits
Officials said the project could reduce electricity purchase costs by nearly ₹6.2 crore every year.
Over a 25-year period, the savings could reach approximately ₹155 crore.
The project would also provide stable power and water support to nearly 8,000 acres. In addition, it would promote renewable energy usage, lower canal water temperatures and reduce water evaporation.
The Minister directed officials to accelerate the proposals and position Telangana’s irrigation sector as a national model for renewable energy adoption.