NISE Maps 102.18 GW Floating Solar Potential Across India

The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), has released a detailed assessment of India’s floating solar photovoltaic (PV) potential. According to the report, the country has an estimated floating solar capacity of 102.18 GWp, highlighting a major opportunity to expand renewable energy generation without requiring large areas of land.

Floating solar projects involve installing solar panels on floating structures placed on reservoirs, lakes, and other suitable water bodies. This technology not only helps generate clean electricity but also reduces water evaporation and makes productive use of underutilized water surfaces. The assessment was conducted to identify feasible water bodies across states and union territories that can support floating solar installations.

The study found that the potential is spread across different regions of the country, with several states possessing large reservoirs and irrigation networks capable of supporting high-capacity projects. Some regions recorded significant floating solar potential of 16.28 GWp, 14.89 GWp, and 13.69 GWp, indicating that these locations could become major centers for future renewable energy development.

Several other regions were identified with capacities between 5 GW and 10 GW, including specific estimates of 6.32 GW and 5.64 GW. The report also highlighted many medium-sized opportunities, with capacities such as 3.36 GW, 2.81 GW, 2.73 GW, 2.22 GW, and 1.99 GW. Smaller water bodies across the country were also found to contribute meaningfully to the overall national potential, with capacities ranging from 0.88 GW to less than 0.1 GW.

NISE noted that even these smaller sites are important in achieving the cumulative floating solar potential of 102.18 GWp. The report suggests that floating solar projects can be integrated with existing hydropower facilities, creating hybrid renewable energy systems that can make use of existing transmission infrastructure and improve grid reliability.

The findings provide policymakers, developers, and investors with a clear roadmap for future floating solar deployment. As India continues to pursue its renewable energy and net-zero goals, the report demonstrates how floating solar technology can play a crucial role in increasing clean energy capacity while avoiding many of the land acquisition challenges associated with conventional ground-mounted solar projects.