A new assessment by NISE has identified more than 102 GW of floating solar potential across India, highlighting a major opportunity to expand renewable energy capacity without additional land requirements.
India has identified approximately 102.18 GWp of floating solar potential across reservoirs and water bodies, according to a new assessment released by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE).
The report, unveiled by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, estimates that floating solar deployment could increase India’s total assessed solar potential to 3,445 GWp.
The assessment found that nearly 1,946 sq. km of reservoir surface area is suitable for floating solar installations. Besides reducing land acquisition challenges, floating solar systems can minimise water evaporation and improve panel performance through natural cooling effects.
To accelerate deployment, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is preparing a dedicated support scheme that will provide policy and financial assistance for large-scale floating solar projects.