Cabinet approves scheme to promote ‘floating’ solar plants
The Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana targets 5,000 MW of installations on water bodies by 2030-31
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Context
The Union Cabinet has approved the (PM-SSY) with an outlay of ₹5,070 crore to promote the installation of floating solar power plants on reservoirs and water bodies. The scheme, implemented by the (SECI), targets a capacity of 5,000 MW by 2030-31 and mandates the inclusion of battery energy storage. This initiative aims to diversify India's solar energy portfolio geographically, alleviate land acquisition bottlenecks associated with ground-mounted solar, and harness the estimated 102 GW technical potential for floating solar in the country.
UPSC Perspectives
Economic
The represents a strategic market intervention to address market failures in adopting newer renewable energy technologies. By providing Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of up to ₹1 crore per MW, the government is acting as a catalyst, offering a 'nudge' rather than a permanent subsidy, to overcome the higher initial capital costs associated with floating solar technology (which is estimated to be 25% higher than ground-mounted solar). This upfront subsidy is crucial for achieving economies of scale and making the technology commercially viable. Furthermore, the mandatory inclusion of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) is a significant policy shift. While it increases immediate project costs, integrated storage transforms solar from an intermittent source into dispatchable power (electricity that can be supplied on demand), enhancing grid stability and increasing the overall value proposition of renewable energy. The scheme is also expected to stimulate domestic manufacturing of specialized components, creating jobs and contributing to the goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the renewable energy sector.
Environmental
Floating solar technology offers unique environmental synergies compared to traditional ground-mounted systems, making it a critical component of India's energy transition strategy to achieve its ambitious target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. Firstly, it addresses the critical issue of land use conflict. Traditional solar parks are extremely land-intensive, often competing with agriculture or requiring large tracts of contiguous land. By utilizing reservoirs and industrial ponds, floating solar minimizes the ecological footprint on land. Secondly, floating solar arrays reduce water evaporation from reservoirs by shielding the water surface from direct sunlight, a significant co-benefit in water-stressed regions. The cooling effect of the water beneath the panels also mitigates soiling losses (accumulation of dirt) and improves the thermal efficiency of the photovoltaic cells, leading to better energy yields. This demonstrates the concept of the Water-Energy Nexus, where the management of water and energy resources are closely intertwined and mutually beneficial.
Geographical
The spatial distribution of solar energy infrastructure in India is currently skewed, heavily concentrated in states like Rajasthan and Gujarat due to their high solar insolation (amount of solar radiation received) and availability of large tracts of inexpensive, arid land. This creates vulnerabilities in the national grid and transmission infrastructure. The PM-SSY seeks to correct this imbalance by promoting geographic diversification. According to the (NISE), states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, and Telangana possess the highest potential for floating solar due to the availability of perennial water bodies and suitable infrastructure. This decentralization of generation capacity reduces transmission losses, enhances energy security at the regional level, and alleviates the bottleneck of land acquisition, which often involves complex issues related to rehabilitation and resettlement costs and social opposition, particularly in densely populated states.