The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) is advancing research on the solarisation of boats through pilot projects and field trials, as part of efforts to explore renewable energy applications in the maritime sector, the government informed the Rajya Sabha.
While the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is currently not implementing any dedicated scheme for solar-powered boats in fishing, passenger transport, or tourism, NISE—an autonomous institute under the ministry—is conducting feasibility studies on the use of solar energy in boats, including fishing vessels.
As part of this initiative, NISE has partnered with the Centre for Sustainable Energy and Environment (CSEE) to implement pilot projects and trial runs.
Key progress includes the development and deployment of a pilot solar-powered boat for fishermen. The project has completed design work and procurement of essential components such as photovoltaic (PV) modules, batteries, charge controllers, motors, and fibre-reinforced boats.
Testing of critical components, including motors, PV modules, and batteries, has been carried out at NISE, while fibre boat fabrication has been completed at Uppada Harbour. The project is currently in the stage of system integration, field trials, and performance validation at the demonstration site.
This information was shared by Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
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