Why In News?
The Union Cabinet approves the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY) to generate clean electricity by deploying floating solar panels on lakes and dams.
What is PM-Surya Sarovar Yojana?
Core Objective: Establish Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) plants integrated with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to supply clean electricity during peak evening demand and enhance grid stability.
Nodal Ministry: Implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) through the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), the nodal agency for large-scale renewable energy deployment.
Financial Allocation: Approved with a ₹5,070 crore outlay, including ₹1 crore/MW support for FSPV projects and ₹50 lakh/project for bathymetric and environmental studies.
Target Capacity: Aims to install 5,000 MW of floating solar capacity by 2030–31, significantly expanding India's operational floating solar base.
Battery Storage Mandate: Every project must integrate at least 2-hour Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), creating about 10,000 MWh of storage capacity to improve renewable energy integration and peak-load management.
Water Body Utilisation: Utilises reservoirs, dams and industrial water bodies, tapping India's estimated 102.18 GW floating solar potential without acquiring agricultural land.
Prominent Sites: Large reservoirs such as Hirakud (Odisha) and Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh) have been identified as key locations for large-scale deployment.
Supports National Targets: Contributes to India's target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and Net Zero by 2070.
What is Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV)?
Technology: Solar PV modules are mounted on floating platforms anchored on reservoirs, lakes and dams, with electricity transmitted through underwater cables to the grid.
Land Conservation: Saves productive agricultural land and reduces land acquisition conflicts, making renewable energy deployment more sustainable.
Higher Efficiency: Water cooling improves module efficiency by around 5–15% compared with ground-mounted systems. (Source: IRENA)
Water Conservation: Floating panels can reduce water evaporation by about 30–60%, benefiting irrigation and drinking-water reservoirs. (Source: World Bank)
Lower Carbon Emissions: Helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels and supports India's clean-energy transition.
Reduced Dust Accumulation: Water bodies minimise dust deposition, lowering maintenance costs and improving generation efficiency.
Grid Flexibility: Integration with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) enhances grid reliability and supports renewable energy balancing.
Efficient Asset Utilisation: Converts idle water surfaces into productive clean-energy assets, improving resource efficiency.