Floating solar PV potential in India assessed at 102 GWp; scheme planned

India has assessed more than 102 GWp of floating solar potential, and a new government scheme for this segment will be introduced soon. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi shared the update on Wednesday. Joshi said reservoirs and other water bodies are becoming key sites for floating solar projects. Joshi added the ministry is preparing steps to expand such deployment nationwide.

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Joshi said India is shifting from talking about renewable potential to delivering results on the ground. Joshi linked the progress to Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership over the past twelve years. Joshi said this push has helped India move towards Viksit Bharat. Joshi also pointed to growth in capacity, manufacturing, and public participation.

Floating solar potential in India scheme and new assessment

Joshi released the Report on Floating Solar PV Potential Assessment of India. The report put floating solar potential at over 102 GWp. Joshi said this took Indias total assessed solar potential to 3,445 GWp. Joshi said these efforts show the Governments focus on using natural resources sustainably. Joshi also said they support Indias clean energy transition.

Joshi said reservoirs and other water bodies are emerging as important assets for clean energy generation. Joshi said floating solar can help use such sites in an efficient manner. Joshi added the ministry is working on a dedicated scheme for floating solar deployment. Joshi said the scheme aims to promote projects across the country.

Renewable energy growth in India and solar manufacturing capacity

Joshi said India is now among the worlds leading solar markets. Joshi said non-fossil fuel capacity rose from 81 GW in 2014 to 288 GW. Joshi said solar capacity increased from 2.8 GW to 155 GW. Joshi added that domestic manufacturing has grown, with module capacity at 192 GW and cell capacity at 30 GW.

Joshi said Indias clean energy progress has received global recognition. Joshi said it showed Indias ability to meet ambitious climate and energy goals. Joshi added that India has moved from being power-deficit to power-surplus. Joshi also said India is emerging as a renewable energy manufacturing hub. Joshi said these outcomes reflect measurable progress.

Small Hydro Power Development Scheme portal and policy updates in India

Joshi launched the Online Portal for the Small Hydro Power Development Scheme. Joshi said the portal will improve transparency and make implementation more efficient. Joshi also said this was the first major policy intervention in the small hydro sector since 2017. Joshi linked the move to wider efforts to strengthen renewable energy delivery systems.

Joshi said PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM are widening public involvement. Joshi said the programmes are speeding up renewable energy adoption across the country. Joshi said citizen participation is becoming a clear feature of Indias clean energy transition. Joshi added that such schemes complement work on new solar and hydro measures.

NISE and Military Engineering Services exchanged an MoU to support solar adoption in defence establishments. Under the partnership, NISE will give technical support for planning, implementation and monitoring of renewable projects. Joshi also released the book Green Energy and Sustainable Development by Dr. Mohammad Rihan. Joshi said the book would help students, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

With inputs from PTI