Indian Reservoirs Can Host 102 GW Solar Power

INDIAN RESERVOIRS CAN HOST 102 GW FLOATING SOLAR CAPACITY

Why in the News?

  • National Assessment: The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) has estimated that Indian reservoirs can support about 102 GW of floating solar capacity.
  • Land Constraint Solution: The report highlights floating solar technology as a solution to land acquisition challenges and forest conservation act restrictions faced by conventional solar projects.
  • Renewable Energy Goal: The initiative supports India’s target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.

Indian Reservoirs Can Host 102 GW Solar Power

FLOATING SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (FSPV)

  • Definition: Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) systems consist of solar panels mounted on floating structures installed on reservoirs, lakes, and other water bodies.
  • Site Selection: NISE identified suitable reservoirs using factors such as water availability, depth, solar irradiance, and proximity to roads and substations, while ensuring compliance with environmental impact assessment requirements and coastal regulation zone norms for water bodies.
  • Major Potential States: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, and Telangana account for the largest share of floating solar potential.
  • Advantages: Reduces land-use conflicts, lowers water evaporation, and improves solar panel efficiency due to the cooling effect of water.
  • Challenges: Higher installation costs, maintenance difficulties, cable damage, buoyancy issues, and environmental concerns including obtaining timely environmental clearances and addressing ex post facto compliance issues.

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SOLAR ENERGY (NISE)

  • Establishment: NISE is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
  • Objective: It serves as the apex national institution for research, technology development, and capacity building in solar energy.
  • Functions: Conducts resource assessments, testing, certification, and policy support for solar energy deployment including guidance on EIA notification compliance and environmental clearance procedures.
  • Research Areas: Works on solar photovoltaic systems, solar thermal technologies, floating solar, and agri-photovoltaics.
  • Importance: Plays a key role in supporting India’s renewable energy transition and solar mission targets through environmental jurisprudence and regulatory frameworks.

SOLAR ENERGY

●  Definition: Solar energy is the conversion of sunlight into electricity or heat using photovoltaic (PV) cells or solar thermal technologies.

●  Renewable Source: It is a clean, renewable, and sustainable source of energy with minimal greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a pollution free environment.

●  National Programme: India promotes solar energy through initiatives such as the National Solar Mission and PM Surya Ghar Yojana.

●  Global Position: India is among the world’s leading countries in installed solar power capacity.

●  Significance: Solar energy enhances energy security, reduces fossil fuel dependence, and supports climate change mitigation efforts while upholding the precautionary principle and polluter pays principle in environmental governance.