Irrigation officials have asked to use land, tanks and canal systems to harness solar energy
Hyderabad
Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy has directed officials of the Irrigation Department to identify and utilize available irrigation areas, tanks and canals for solar power generation on priority.
The minister said that the department should go beyond the routine implementation of projects and actively create its own energy sources. Solar projects on irrigated lands and canals should be considered as the first priority. The state made huge expenditure on energy for irrigation projects and lifts. The department should explore solar and pumped storage projects whenever possible to reduce long-term energy costs and create sustainable energy sources.
Officials could use their own technical expertise to prepare proposals or even outsource the services of professional agencies. Officials were able to make use of the studies and presentations available to the department and submit proposals promptly. “Solar projects on all available irrigation land should be the first priority. Other sources of revenue can be tapped later,” he said.
Feasibility studies were conducted on approximately 16 reservoirs. Even if 10% of the suitable area of reservoirs and irrigation were used, it would create the potential to increase the installed solar capacity to nearly 7,000 MW.
The department has been directed to work on the proposal and coordinate with the respective Chief Engineers and nodal agencies to pave a clear way forward.
For this purpose localities like Manjira and Singur could be explored and the department should seriously look into the proposal. Officials also unveiled a canal-based solar project under the BOOT (Build Own Operate and Transfer) model. The project was designed on a section of the canal about 15 km long between Jagora and Chandora.
The model would not require government capital investment or land acquisition as the existing canal system would be used. The project could support a 20 MW solar system, generate approximately 340 million units per year and meet the project requirement of approximately 84 million units. Surplus power of about 255 million units could be sold, generating revenue of nearly ₹ 11.5 crore annually.
The model projected annual energy savings of about ₹6.2 million, which amounts to nearly ₹155 million over 25 years. It would provide assured power and water support for approximately 8,000 acres, in addition to offering environmental benefits such as renewable energy generation, canal cooling and reduced evaporation.
Published – 09 Jun 2026 20:58 IST