MRPL to harness another 6 MW of solar power

The floating solar power plants being set up by the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd on the three water storage reservoirs on its premises, will be a reality next year, M. Sushilchandra, Group General Manager (corporate strategy), has said.

They would not only generate around 6 MW of energy but also minimise water evaporation from the reservoirs.

Speaking at a function organised to distribute LED bulbs to 10 villages as part of the company’s enterprise social commitment here on Friday, Mr. Sushilchandra said around 6MW of solar power is already being tapped from the rooftop panels.

M.S. Sudarshan, Chief General Manager (Health, Safety and Environment) said 31,867 LED bulbs would be distributed to about 8,000 families, anganwadis, schools, community halls and shops in Bala, Kalavar, Permude, Kuthethoor, Jokatte, Thokur, Soorinje, Delanthabettu, Chelyar and Madya villages, at a cost of around ₹43 lakh.

Mr. Sudarshan said the bulbs being distributed have a warranty period of two years. LED lights consume much less power compared to tube lights and CFL bulbs, and are also free from mercury, he said.

Meenakshi Shantigodu, president, Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchyat, M.R. Ravi, Chief Executive Officer, zilla panchayat, distributed the bulbs to select persons from the 10 beneficiary villages. Mr. Ravi said the MRPL contributes funds for construction of three model anganwadis in the district, each costing ₹25 lakh. It has also sanctioned funds to set up biogas plants in a few government schools in the district.

Earlier, the company distributed LPG kits, built toilets in various schools and panchayats and provided artificial limbs to the needy.