BWSSB to adopt solar power for Cauvery Stage VI pumping stations

Bengaluru: The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) will set up solar-powered pumping stations under the Cauvery Stage VI project.

The agency has prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project, which will include four pumping stations. All stations will be partially or fully powered by solar energy, with an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore.

"The plan is to ensure at least 50% of the power required at these stations comes from solar plants. For each, Rs 5 crore has been earmarked,” a senior BWSSB official said.

However, the utility is yet to finalise how it will procure solar energy. The BWSSB may either set up its own solar plants or enter a long-term agreement with energy producers, depending on available finances.

“Based on the availability of funds and by analysing what works best for us in terms of finances, we will take a decision about how to go about the project,” said BWSSB Chairman Ramprasat Manohar V.

The Cauvery Stage VI project aims to supply water to areas around Bengaluru. Satellite towns like Nelamangala, Devanahalli, Hosakote, Chikkabanavara and others will receive water under the project.

Greener ambitions ahead

The BWSSB is planning to transition other water supply projects to solar power through various procurement strategies.

Currently, the BWSSB spends nearly Rs 60 crore on power bills, one of its major expenses. Officials say shifting to green energy could reduce costs.

“Various proposals are being identified. One is to establish group captive solar plants in collaboration with other industries, sharing costs in a predetermined manner,” a senior official said.

Officials estimate that using solar energy could cut power costs by at least Re 1 per unit.