Emission-free solar and electric-powered boats to replace diesel vessels in Chilika Lagoon

Chilika Lagoon, Asia’s largest brackish water lake, is set to introduce emission-free solar and electric-powered boats, replacing traditional diesel-powered vessels. The implementation of solar and electric-powered boats with aluminium as one of the core components highlights the importance of a green and emission-free environment.

Chilika Lagoon is home to a diverse range of aquatic and wetland species, including the rare and endangered Irrawaddy dolphin and fishing cat. The introduction of solar and electric-powered boats featuring aluminium and other metals aims to address the growing concerns about emission reduction and the environmental impact of diesel boats, which contribute to air, water, and noise pollution, harming the delicate wetland ecosystem.

As per the reports, on average, producing 1 megawatt (MW) of photovoltaic capacity requires 21 tonnes of aluminium. According to IRENA’s Remap scenario, the anticipated growth in solar capacity is projected to increase global demand for aluminium by an additional 160 million tonnes by 2050.

OREDA plans to invest approximately INR 20 crore

With numerous motorised boats currently used for tourism and fishing, the Orissa High Court had previously instructed the state government to consider replacing diesel-powered boats with solar or battery-operated alternatives to reduce noise and pollution in the lake. The Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) has issued tenders to pilot this initiative this year.

The tenders cover the introduction of new solar and electric-powered boats and the retrofitting of existing boats with solar technology. The project includes comprehensive maintenance of these boats for two years at various locations around the lake. Initially, OREDA plans to deploy five emission-free tourist boats, each accommodating 20 passengers. The estimated cost for this initiative is around INR 3 crore.

OREDA plans to invest approximately INR 20 crore to retrofit 28 tourist boats belonging to the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) and the Chilika Development Authority (CDA) and an additional 100 fishing boats. According to OREDA Joint Director Soumya Ranjan Panda, a stakeholders meeting has already been held, and tenders are expected to be finalised by August. Panda also mentioned that efforts are underway to launch the zero-emission boat project by the end of this year.