New solar-hydro plant to supply clean pumping power in India

The state power department of West Bengal has unveiled its plan to set up the more than 1,000MW station at Ayodhya in Purulia with the objective to generate clean power in the region.

West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) manages the project which consists of a new power generation plant construction in the ancient city of Ayodhya, in Purulia.

On this site, a 900MW pump storage plant is currently operating and uses thermal power system.

The solar-hydro plant is expected to include generators that would pump water during off peak hours to a reservoir uphill in Ayodhya Hills.

The project is worth Rs 4,650.69 crore. 15% are financed by the government while the Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JICA) will provide the rest of the money.

Eighty-one months would be needed to complete the project.

The installation of a 650MW power station is also ongoing in Sagardighi as following the state power department commitment to provide energy generation without fossil carriers.