‘State’s solar yield potential thrice Centre’s estimate’
Times of India | 21 September 2024
Kolkata: Bengal’s potential for production of solar energy with regards to ground-mounted plants is over 19,000 MW, three times of what the ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) had estimated, revealed an iFOREST report released on Friday. It indicates that Bengal has the potential to emerge as a leader in solar energy production. Chandra Bhushan, CEO of iFOREST, said Bengal has over 300 days of sunshine annually— more than Germany, Europe’s top solar energy producer.
About 56% of the potential is in Purulia.The floating solar PV potential in 30 dams is3,567 MW with Kangsabati dam taking the lead. For wind power projects, a theoretical potential of about 20,000 MW is identified at a hub height of 100m above ground level (AGL), and about 23,000 MW at 150 m AGL (at 100% utilisation), the report stated. tnn