Harvesting Sunlight on Water: Unveiling the Potential of Floating Solar Photovoltaics in South Asia

The analytical study, “Unlocking the Potential of Floating Solar Photovoltaics in India,” conducted by a World Bank team led by Surbhi Goyal and supported by Satyaki Bhattacharya and Vivek Jha, examines the status and potential of floating solar photovoltaics (FSPV) in South Asian countries.

Regional Cooperation and Status of FSPV:
The report emphasizes the importance of regional cooperation in accelerating the energy transition in South Asian countries. Despite unique challenges in each country, collaboration can facilitate knowledge sharing and integrated market approaches. The study outlines the power sector background, renewable targets, and current status in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Sri Lanka:
Sri Lanka, with almost universal electrification, faces challenges such as low per capita electricity consumption and dependence on expensive fuel-oil-based generation. The government aims to achieve 70% renewable power generation by 2030, primarily from wind and solar. FSPV is identified as a solution to address barriers like limited land availability and poor financial health of utilities. The report highlights the potential of utilizing reservoirs for FSPV to meet renewable energy targets.

Bangladesh:
Bangladesh, a rapidly growing economy, plans to generate 40% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2041. The country faces challenges of high population density and competition for land. FSPV is identified as a primary avenue for energy transition, given its ability to circumvent land availability issues. The report suggests exploring FSPV in water bodies such as irrigation canals and wetlands.

Pakistan:
Pakistan has a diverse energy mix, with thermal contributing 61%, hydro 24%, and renewables (wind, solar, and bagasse) 6.5%. The country aims to increase its renewable energy (RE) capacity to 30% by 2030, requiring the installation of around 24,000 MW of solar and wind. While Pakistan possesses significant wind and solar resources, the utilization has been slow. The World Bank initiated the Floating Solar Project, planning 150 MW projects on Barotha & Ghazi Lakes and 25 MW on Tarbela reservoir.

Afghanistan:
Afghanistan, with less than 40% of its population having electricity access, targets 4,500-5,000 MW of renewable capacity by 2032. While no floating solar plant exists, initiatives include ADB’s technical assistance for a project at Qargha reservoir and Phelan Energy Group’s collaboration with a local partner and USAID for a 24 MW floating solar project in Kabul province.

Maldives:
Maldives, dependent on imported diesel for 80% of its power generation, aims to increase the share of renewables by 20% by 2023 and 70% by 2030. While offshore solar presents challenges due to its operating conditions, nearshore areas with benign conditions provide an opportunity for floating solar customization.

Nepal:
Nepal, with 70% of its region being hilly, faces challenges for large-scale ground-mounted solar projects. Floating solar, integrated with hydropower and irrigation reservoirs, could be a viable avenue for energy transition. Currently, no floating solar projects are in development.

Bhutan:
Bhutan, a hydro-dominated country, exports surplus power. Although no floating solar projects are underway, potential sources include waterbodies and hydropower reservoirs. Detailed feasibility studies are crucial for assessing project viability.

In these South Asian countries, floating solar projects are at various stages of development, with challenges and opportunities unique to each nation’s energy landscape. Collaboration and knowledge transfer, especially from India’s progress in floating solar, can accelerate regional adoption.

Knowledge Transfer and Regional Forums:
The study acknowledges the progress in FSPV made by India and suggests knowledge transfer mechanisms for regional cooperation. It recommends utilizing regional forums like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), USAID’s South Asia Regional Energy Hub (SAREH), International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), SAARC Expert Group on Renewable Energy, and United Nations ESCAP. Bilateral relations, joint conferences, and initiatives are proposed to facilitate knowledge sharing.

Conclusion and Future Outlook:
The report concludes by highlighting the importance of a survey to assess the full potential of FSPV in national planning across South Asian countries. It emphasizes India’s role in the value chain of FSPV development for the entire region. The study recognizes the varying degrees of challenges faced by different countries and suggests applying learnings from India’s experience in FSPV development.

In summary, the report provides a comprehensive overview of the status, challenges, and potential of FSPV in South Asian countries, emphasizing the need for regional cooperation and knowledge transfer to unlock the full potential of floating solar technology.