Vankal becomes largest solar park in North East India

Aizawl, 27 April (Zoram News): Vankal Solar Park, the largest solar park in Northeast India, has commenced commercial operations, generating 20 MW of solar power. The park, located in Mizoram, was inaugurated by Power and Electricity (P&E) Minister Pu R. Lalzirliana in a recent ceremony. The project, worth Rs 2107 lakh, was funded by the Mizoram government and the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), with Rs 1,707 crore and Rs 400 crore, respectively.

Construction of the park began in August 2018, but was delayed due to the pandemic. However, trial commissioning was completed successfully on February 16, 2023. The solar panel installation work was undertaken by two solar developers, M/S Sunfree Northeast Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd. and M/S ATA Renewable P4 Pvt. Ltd, with a responsibility to generate 15 MW of power. The two companies will continue to maintain the project for the next 25 years.

Vankal Solar Park spans 144 acres and is equipped with 52453 solar plates/modules, 113 inverters, 7 inverter control rooms, and 1 main control room. It also has a 232/33 kV sub-station and control room for power input and output.

The Mizoram government will be able to purchase power generated by the park at a lower price of Rs 3.94/unit, saving more than Rs 1 per unit compared to purchasing power from other sources. With the park fully operational, it is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions and contribute to the government's efforts to promote renewable energy in the region.