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Future of Floating Solar Power Plants in India

Future of Floating Solar Power Plants in India

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We all know how fast India is growing—and along with that, our electricity demand is also rising. India is working hard to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 to meet our climate goals and ensure a sustainable future. Solar energy is expected to play the biggest role in this mission.

Right now, India has installed nearly 102.57 GW of solar capacity, and the majority of solar installation contribution comes from groundmount-based solar power plants. We will need around 5630 GW of solar power to reach our net-zero target.

Sounds like a huge number, right? But here’s the bigger challenge—1 GW of solar power plant requires around 4–5 square kilometers of land. That means for 5630 GW, we would need roughly 22,520 to 28,150 square kilometers of land. To put it in perspective, that’s almost equal to the size of states like Meghalaya or Punjab.

This is a serious concern in a country like India, where land is already limited and the population is dense. That’s why Floating Solar Power Plants or FSPV (Floating Solar Photovoltaic) are gaining attention.

What is a Floating Solar Power Plant?

A Floating Solar Power Plant, or FSPV, is precisely what it sounds like. Instead of installing solar panels on land, the panels are mounted on floating structures and placed over water bodies like lakes, reservoirs, or dams. The entire system floats on the water’s surface while generating clean energy.

Illustration of a hybrid FPV and WEC system
Image Source: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/llustration-of-a-hybrid-FPV-and-WEC-system_fig1_385122123

These systems are connected to the grid just like ground-mounted systems, and in many cases, they even perform better due to natural cooling from the water below.

Why is FSPV a Good Option for India?

Several benefits make floating solar a smart choice:

  • Saves Land: India already faces land scarcity. Floating solar panels allow us to generate clean energy without using valuable land—perfect for a densely populated country.
  • Better Performance: Solar panels installed on the water stay naturally cooler, which helps improve their efficiency by 5–10% compared to ground-mounted systems.
  • Reduces Water Evaporation: In reservoirs and dams, floating panels block direct sunlight and reduce water evaporation, which is very useful in areas with water shortages.
  • Utilizes Unused Water Bodies: Many man-made reservoirs, lakes, and dam surfaces in India are underutilized. Floating solar makes productive use of these water surfaces.

What are the Challenges?

While the idea sounds perfect, there are some challenges too:

  • Higher Cost: FSPV systems are currently more expensive than ground-mounted systems because of floating structures and anchoring.
  • Technical Expertise: Designing and maintaining floating plants requires specialized knowledge.
  • Environmental Concerns: The impact on aquatic ecosystems and water quality needs to be studied carefully.
  • Grid Connection: Many reservoirs or remote water bodies are far from grid connectivity.

Also read: Climate Change: A Reality We Can No Longer Ignore

Current Scenario of FSPV in India

According to a TERI Report (2020), India has a potential of over 18,000 MW of floating solar just from its existing reservoirs.

State-wise estimated potential of Floating Solar PV
Image Source: https://www.teriin.org/sites/default/files/2020-01/floating-solar-PV-report.pdf
Floating Solar PV Pie Chart Countries
Image Source: https://www.teriin.org/sites/default/files/2020-01/floating-solar-PV-report.pdf

The report also identifies 63 large reservoirs in different states with massive potential for floating solar. Even if we tap a small percentage of this, it can significantly reduce our land-use burden.

Ongoing and Planned FSPV Projects in India

India has already started taking steps in this direction. Some notable floating solar projects include:

  • Ramagundam, Telangana – NTPC has commissioned 100 MW of solar floating power in the reservoir of its thermal power station.
  • Kayamkulam, Kerala – Another NTPC project of 92 MW capacity.
  • Simhadri, Andhra Pradesh – A 25 MW floating solar project by NTPC is located on the Simhadri reservoir.
  • Greater Vishakhapatnam Smart City – A 2 MW floating solar plant is operational.
  • West Bengal and Maharashtra – Several smaller-scale projects are either under construction or planned on reservoirs and canals.

In addition to these, SECI and various state agencies are actively pushing for tenders and pilot projects in FSPV.

Also read: Top 5 Largest Solar Power Plants of The World

Final Thoughts

Floating Solar Power Plants are not just an alternative—they are a necessity for a country like India, where land is precious. If appropriately implemented, FSPV can become a game-changer in India’s journey to net zero, helping us balance development with sustainability.

It’s time we look beyond the ground and start using our vast water surfaces.