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  • Aug 01, 2026
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Cabinet Approves PM Surya Sarovar for Floating Solar

Cabinet Approves Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana for Floating Solar

Why in the News ?

The Union Cabinet has approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana, a ₹5,070-crore scheme to promote floating solar power projects. The initiative aims to achieve 5,000 MW of floating solar capacity by 2030–31, enhancing India’s renewable energy transition.

PM Surya Sarovar Yojana: 5,000 MW Floating Solar Plan

Key Features of Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana:

  • The Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana has been approved with a total outlay of ₹5,070 crore to promote floating solar power projects across India.
  • The scheme aims to install 5,000 MW (5 GW) of floating solar capacity by 2030–31 on reservoirs, dams, lakes, and other water bodies.
  • Projects will receive Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of up to ₹1 crore per MW, encouraging greater investment in floating solar technology.
  • The scheme will be implemented by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI).
  • Every supported project must include Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) capable of providing at least two hours of storage, creating a cumulative storage capacity of 10,000 MWh to improve grid stability and manage peak electricity demand.

Significance for India’s Renewable Energy Sector

  • India currently has only about 0.7 GW of installed floating solar capacity, despite an estimated potential of nearly 102 GW, indicating substantial scope for expansion.
  • Floating solar projects reduce dependence on large land parcels, addressing challenges related to land acquisition, rehabilitation, and resettlement associated with ground-mounted solar parks.
  • The scheme will help diversify solar installations beyond Rajasthan and Gujarat, especially benefiting states with abundant water bodies but limited land availability.
  • Battery storage integration will reduce renewable energy curtailment, improve grid reliability, and support greater integration of variable renewable energy.
  • The initiative contributes to India’s commitments on clean energy, energy security, and climate change mitigation by expanding low-carbon electricity generation.

About Floating Solar Power:

●  Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FPV): A technology in which solar panels are mounted on floating structures installed over reservoirs, lakes, dams, irrigation canals, and other water bodies.

●  Advantages of Floating Solar:

○   Reduces land requirement for solar projects.

○   Minimizes water evaporation from reservoirs.

○   Improves solar panel efficiency due to the cooling effect of water.

○   Helps reduce algal growth in some water bodies.

○   Facilitates integration with hydropower reservoirs, enabling better grid management.

●  Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI):

○   A Miniratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

○   Responsible for implementing renewable energy schemes, conducting power procurement, and promoting solar and other clean energy technologies.