Title - BMRCL to exploit solar energy potential on its property

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) has invited private entrepreneurs to exploit solar energy potential on its property to generate solar energy under public-private partnership (PPP). The partnership will be on a build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) basis.To begin with, the corporation would offer flat roofs at its Byappanahalli Metro Depot, which comprises office spaces, metro car sheds and other maintenance facilities.BMRCL has invited expression of interest from interested companies/ consortia to shortlist experienced and capable applicants for the request for proposal stage of Solar Systems for Depots of BMRC Project.

Rooftop systems:BMRCL will allow the private partner (concessionaire) to put up a rooftop solar system and sell solar energy on commercial terms. The concession period is likely to be for 15 years. The partner will have to do everything to put up the system, right from survey to financing and construction of the system and the final handing over of the entire set-up to BMRCL after the concession period.BMRCL Chief Engineer (Electrical and Traction) B.L.Y. Chavan told The Hindu that the corporation is gauging the preparedness of private entrepreneurs to produce solar energy. At the Byappanahalli depot, the flat roofs are capable of accommodating solar energy system that could produce 300 KW power, Mr. Chavan said. The options of BMRCL buying power so produced or allowing the private partner to sell it to power distribution companies are still being worked out, he said.

In the offing

The success of this project would usher in a series of similar projects, not only at the Peenya metro depot but also across the Namma Metro network. Phase 1 of Namma Metro has 34 elevated stations, each with not less than 35,000 sq ft of rooftop available for generation of solar energy. However, putting station roofs, which are not flat, for solar energy generation would be decided after considering different safety aspects, including that of trains and passengers, Mr. Chavan said.