- CEB has opened an EOI seeking project developers for floating solar power plants
- It aims to install 2 projects of 100 MW capacity each on the Samanalawewa reservoir
- The installation of floating solar panels will enable dual-use of the reservoir, by leveraging the location’s existing electricity infrastructure
The largest state-owned electricity company in Sri Lanka, Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), is seeking interested companies for 200 MW floating solar power plant capacity to be installed on a least-cost basis. Interested companies responding to the expressions of interest (EOI) need to submit detailed feasible technical proposals for the project.
The capacity is proposed to be located on the water surface of the Samanalawewa reservoir in Rathnapura as 2×100 MW. On completion, it will be connected to the grid.
The CEB sees the project as leveraging the reservoir’s existing hydroelectric power generation infrastructure by complementing it with daytime solar energy production. Floating solar panels will also put the reservoir to dual-use. It will enter into 20-year power purchase arrangement with the winners.
A single company can submit a single proposal for 100 MW capacity. Broad scope of work encompasses design, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the floating solar power plant. It includes supply and management of all equipment specific to the floating power plant, including solar panels, floating platform structure, mooring systems and inverters.
“Further, the reservoir faces seepage issues arising from vulnerabilities in its banks and riverbed, necessitating recurrent wet blanketing procedures, which involve boat operations for inspections, and future plans to lower water levels in 2025 for leak remediation, highlighting the importance of the Floating Solar System’s capacity to withstand complete reservoir drawdown,” reads the tender document.
Proposals can be submitted till December 13, 2023, according to the tender announcement.
