India has identified an estimated 102.18 GWp of floating solar photovoltaic (PV) potential across the country, opening up a significant new avenue for renewable energy deployment while reducing dependence on land-intensive solar installations.
The assessment was unveiled by Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi during the release of the Floating Solar PV Potential Assessment of India report prepared by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE). Alongside the findings, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) announced that it is working on a dedicated scheme aimed at accelerating the development of floating solar projects nationwide.
According to the assessment, the identified potential is based on the utilization of suitable water bodies, including reservoirs, lakes, and other inland water resources. The report estimates that approximately 1,946 square kilometres of water surface area could support floating solar installations, creating a substantial opportunity to expand clean energy generation without competing for valuable land resources.
The findings further strengthen India’s renewable energy roadmap, taking the country’s total assessed solar potential to approximately 3,445 GWp when combined with previously assessed ground-mounted solar resources.
State-wise analysis highlights significant opportunities across several regions. Maharashtra emerged as the state with the highest floating solar potential at 16.28 GW, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 14.89 GW, Karnataka with 13.69 GW, Odisha with 12.81 GW, and Telangana with 10.72 GW. Gujarat was assessed to have 6.32 GW of floating solar potential. The concentration of potential in these states reflects the availability of large reservoirs and water infrastructure that could support future project development.
Floating solar is increasingly gaining attention globally as governments and developers seek alternatives to land-based renewable energy projects. By deploying solar arrays on water bodies, projects can help minimize land acquisition challenges while potentially improving module efficiency through the cooling effect of water. In addition, floating solar installations can reduce water evaporation and complement existing hydropower infrastructure, creating opportunities for hybrid renewable energy systems.
The announcement comes at a time when India is accelerating its clean energy transition. Government data shows that the country’s non-fossil fuel power capacity has expanded rapidly over the past decade, supported by significant growth in solar manufacturing and deployment. Policymakers view floating solar as an important component of the next phase of renewable energy expansion, particularly as demand for clean electricity continues to rise.
Industry stakeholders are now awaiting details of the proposed MNRE support scheme, which is expected to provide a policy framework for unlocking investments and facilitating large-scale deployment of floating solar projects. If effectively implemented, the initiative could help transform India’s vast network of reservoirs and water bodies into a major source of clean power generation while contributing to the country’s long-term energy security and decarbonization goals.
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