The Union Cabinet of India approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana, a ₹5,070-crore scheme to promote floating solar power plants [1].
This initiative represents a strategic shift in India's renewable energy approach by utilizing water bodies for power generation. By deploying solar panels on lakes and reservoirs, the government aims to reduce land acquisition conflicts and minimize water evaporation while boosting clean energy capacity [2].
The scheme targets the deployment of 5,000 MW, or five GW, of floating solar capacity [2]. To support this infrastructure, the government has allocated a total outlay of ₹5,070 crore [1], which is approximately US$532 million [6]. The program is designed to span a period of five years [3].
To incentivize the development of these plants, the government will provide a maximum subsidy of Rs 1 crore per MW [3]. The program is open for implementation across all states and Union Territories in India [2].
Beyond generation, the scheme emphasizes grid stability and energy reliability. The plan includes the deployment of 10,000 MWh of co-located energy storage capacity [5]. This storage component is critical for managing the intermittent nature of solar power, ensuring that energy captured during peak sunlight can be used during periods of low generation [5].
The Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana is part of a broader effort to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy. By integrating floating photovoltaic systems with large-scale storage, the government intends to maximize the efficiency of existing water infrastructure [2].
“The Union Cabinet of India approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana, a ₹5,070-crore scheme.”
The adoption of floating solar technology allows India to scale its renewable energy portfolio without competing for scarce agricultural or forested land. By pairing 5 GW of generation with 10 GWh of storage, the government is addressing the 'intermittency gap,' moving toward a more stable grid that can rely on solar power even after sunset.
