Coimbatore Launches 154 kW Floating Solar Plant at Periyakulam Lake

154 kW Floating Solar Project Launched Under Namakku Naame Scheme

The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation has operationalised a 154 kW floating solar power plant on Periyakulam (Ukkadam Big Tank), marking a significant push towards renewable energy within urban water bodies. The project, completed in October last year and under trial operation for several months, has now begun full-scale functioning.

Project Capacity, Funding & Infrastructure

The solar array consists of 280 floating photovoltaic panels installed over 13.7 cents of the reservoir’s surface. Officials estimate an output of nearly 693 units of electricity per day , contributing to the Corporation’s clean-energy portfolio.

The project was executed at a cost of ₹1.45 crore under the Namakku Naame scheme , with funding shared equally by the Tamil Nadu government and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, South Asia . To ensure efficient and safe operation, the facility includes HDPE pontoons , an automated cleaning system , real-time weather sensors , fencing, CCTV monitoring and fire-safety mechanisms.

The plant was inaugurated by Coimbatore MP Ganapathi P. Rajkumar , alongside Mayor K. Ranganayaki and Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran , reflecting growing municipal interest in sustainable power generation.

PIL Challenges Ecological Impact

However, the commissioning has drawn legal scrutiny. A PIL filed before the Madras High Court argues that floating panels may disrupt migratory bird movement, affect aquatic organisms and alter the ecological balance of the lake. The Court has sought a detailed report on the project’s environmental impact and commercial functioning. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on December 5 .

Exam-Oriented Facts

• Capacity: 154 kW , with ~ 693 units/day generation .

• Cost: ₹1.45 crore , funded by Govt. of TN + ICLEI South Asia .

• Location: Periyakulam/Ukkadam Big Tank, Coimbatore .

• PIL filed in Madras High Court questioning ecological impact.