The Canal Solar Power Project started by the Gujarat Government, to use the 19,000 km (12,000 mi) long network of Narmada canals across the state for setting up solar panels to generate electricity.
It was the first ever such project in India, a simple idea that has huge ramifications.
The pilot project generated 1 MW of clean energy per year and also prevented evaporation of 9,000 kilolitres (24,00,000 US gallons) of water annually from the canal.
The project virtually eliminates the requirement to acquire vast tracts of land and limits evaporation of water from the 750 metres (2,460 ft) long canal, tackling two challenges simultaneously by providing energy and water security.
