The Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) has issued a tender aimed at accelerating the adoption of solar boats in Chilika Lake, Odisha. The tender specifically seeks solar developers to handle the design, engineering, and retrofitting of 28 tourist boats and 100 fishing boats currently powered by diesel and petrol. The primary objective is to convert these boats into solar-powered vessels, marking a transition towards more sustainable and eco-friendly transportation on Chilika Lake.
OREDA’s tender focuses on various aspects of the conversion process, including technical, operational, and maintenance considerations. Through a consultative process, the agency aims to gain insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with shifting from fossil fuel-powered boats to electric or solar-powered alternatives. This holistic approach is expected to inform the retrofitting process and ensure the successful integration of solar propulsion systems into the existing boat fleet.
The selected solar developers will play a crucial role in conducting surveys and collecting essential data related to the existing operational boats under entities such as the Odisha Tourism Development Centre (OTDC), Chilika Development Authority (CDA), and fishing boats. Additionally, the developers will be tasked with providing comprehensive design specifications for retrofitting the boats with solar-powered electric propulsion systems, ensuring compatibility with the required operational duration and speed.
Furthermore, the tender mandates that the chosen developers establish charging infrastructure both onshore and onboard, facilitating efficient and sustainable energy use. The creation of on-shore charging stations and infrastructure is pivotal to supporting the operational needs of the solar-powered boats. As part of their responsibilities, the developers will also oversee the installation of all equipment in accordance with the provided design specifications.
While the opening date and time for the technical bid are yet to be announced, OREDA’s initiative represents a significant step towards fostering renewable energy adoption in the transportation sector, contributing to the overall sustainability goals of the region.