India has potential of 102 GWp of floating solar power
New Delhi, June 11: India has the potential of generating more than 102 GWp of floating solar power.
The assessment has been made by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
With the addition of floating solar resources, India’s total assessed solar energy potential has risen to 3,445 GWp.
The new assessment builds on the ground-mounted solar potential study released last year.
Speaking at the launch, Minister for Renewable Energy Prahlad Joshi said India has made significant progress in expanding renewable energy capacity and strengthening its clean energy ecosystem.
He noted that the country has moved beyond assessing renewable energy opportunities to implementing projects on the ground.
MNRE Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi said the ministry is working on dedicated support mechanisms for floating solar projects and agri-photovoltaic systems.
Discussions are underway with the Ministry of Finance regarding the proposed schemes.
The assessment identified suitable reservoirs and water bodies using geospatial mapping and scientific analysis.
Water bodies were considered viable for floating solar installations only if they met criteria such as adequate solar radiation, year-round water availability, sufficient depth, and proximity to roads and power transmission infrastructure.
The ministry views floating solar as a potential avenue for expanding renewable energy generation while optimising the use of available land and water resources. (BVI)
