IIT Guwahati Startup's Floating Solar Plants Tackle Water Scarcity and Conserve Resources

Quant Solar Technologies, a startup founded in 2016 by Pankaj Kumar and Siddhant Agarwal from IIT Guwahati, is making waves with its innovative floating solar plants. These installations, positioned on water bodies like dams and reservoirs, not only generate clean energy but also curb evaporation losses by up to 70%, a crucial factor in water-scarce regions.

The co-founders emphasize the dual-purpose approach of their technology—harnessing solar power while actively addressing environmental concerns by promoting responsible water usage. The floating solar plants act as protective covers, reducing direct sunlight exposure to water surfaces, thereby limiting heat absorption and slowing evaporation.

Siddhant Agarwal highlights the unique advantages of floating solar plants, including saving land, conserving water, and enhancing energy generation through the cooling effect of water beneath the photovoltaic modules. These installations contribute significantly to water conservation, maintaining stable water levels in reservoirs and supporting sustainable resource management.

Deepak Ushadevi, MD and CEO of Ciel & Terre India, underscores the vast potential in India's 5,534 dams and reservoirs for floating solar projects, estimating over 200 GW of power generation. Despite the higher initial costs for floating solar projects, the long-term benefits, including extra generation capacity over 25 years, offset the expenses.

Quant Solar Technologies has already commissioned around 15 floating solar projects across various states and union territories, including India's first 2 MW floating solar plant in Visakhapatnam and one of the world's largest 36 MW Floating Solar Plants for NTPC.

However, the innovation is not without its challenges. Critics, such as TV Ramachandra from the Indian Institute of Science, raise concerns about potential disruptions to aquatic ecosystems, emphasizing the need to maintain the integrity of these systems.

Quant Solar Technologies focuses on in-house design, engineering, and research and development, aligning strategically with global leaders like Det Norske Veritas (DNV) in the Netherlands. While specific funding details are not disclosed, the startup has received support from investors like IIT-Guwahati and Union Bank of India.

Quant Solar Technologies emerges as a key player in shaping global standards for floating solar plants, showcasing technical prowess and making impactful contributions to the clean energy industry.

Reference:

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