Centre approves Rs 5,070 crore scheme to boost floating solar capacity to 5,000 MW
The Union government has approved a Rs 5,070 crore scheme to expand India's Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) capacity from the current 700 MW to 5,000 MW. The decision, cleared on Friday, will also support the development of storage systems with a minimum capacity of two hours, aimed at ensuring reliable power supply from these projects.
Floating solar plants are installed on water bodies such as reservoirs, lakes, and dams, eliminating the need for large tracts of land. This is particularly significant in a country like India, where land is scarce and often contested for agricultural or developmental purposes. By utilising existing water reservoirs, the projects are expected to ease pressure on land resources while contributing to the national renewable energy target.
The scheme comes at a time when India is striving to meet its ambitious climate commitments, including achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. Solar energy remains a cornerstone of this plan, and floating solar offers an innovative way to expand generation without competing for land. Additionally, the cooling effect of water on panels can improve their efficiency compared to land-based installations, while also reducing water evaporation from reservoirs.
The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) has identified substantial FSPV potential across several states. According to NISE, Maharashtra has the highest floating solar potential at 16.3 GW, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 14.9 GW and Karnataka at 13.7 GW. These states have numerous reservoirs that could host large-scale FSPV projects, making them key players in the country's floating solar journey.
The inclusion of storage systems in the scheme addresses one of solar energy's key challenges: intermittency. With a minimum of two hours of storage, these projects can supply power during peak demand periods or when sunlight is unavailable, thereby enhancing grid stability. This aligns with the government's broader push for round-the-clock renewable energy, which often requires a combination of generation and storage technologies.
The scheme is expected to attract investments from both public and private sectors, boosting domestic manufacturing of solar components and creating jobs in the renewable energy sector. It also supports India's transition to a low-carbon economy while ensuring energy security for its growing population.
Experts note that floating solar projects can also help reduce algae growth in water bodies and improve water quality, though such co-benefits require careful site-specific assessments. Environmental considerations, including impacts on aquatic ecosystems, need to be addressed through proper planning and monitoring. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has laid out guidelines to ensure that these projects are developed sustainably.
As India moves forward with this scheme, the successful deployment of 5,000 MW of floating solar capacity will be a significant milestone. It will demonstrate the viability of innovative solar technologies in a country with vast water resources and a strong commitment to clean energy. The approval of this Rs 5,070 crore scheme marks a decisive step toward realising that vision, while also contributing to global efforts against climate change.
