Ban Ki-moon to inaugurate canal-top solar power plant

VADODARA: The city will host United Nations (UN) secretary general Ban Ki-moon on Sunday . Ban will visit the city to inaugurate the 10 megawatt ca nal top solar power plant of Vadodara branch of Narmada canal.

Ban is expected to arrive in the city at 4.30 pm and will inaugurate the power plant in Sama area of the city. The project is a showcase project of the state set up by Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd (SSNNL) that was kicked off when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the chief minister of the state.

The power project envisaged covering of 3.6km of Vadodara branch canal with so lar panels installed on mounting structures. In all, 33,816 solar panels were installed on 469 module mounting structures for the project.The canal has a width of 22.1metres at its top.

While Rs 98.6 crore was spent on the engineering, procurement and construction costs for the project, Rs 11.2 crore has been earmarked for operations and maintenance.It is expected that the project will generate 16.2 million units power in the first year itself.

Ban's visit is expected to be a short one and he will leave the city soon after inaugurating the project. Sources said top officials involved with the project will share details with Ban. Sources said the secretary general will be accompanied by state labour and transport minister Vijay Rupani, who is also the guardian minister for Vadodara district.

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India’s mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.