Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana Launched for Floating Solar Boost

Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana Launched for Floating Solar Boost

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Why in News

  • The Union Cabinet has officially approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY) to increase India's clean energy production and strengthen long-term energy security.

Key Facts About Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY)

  • The PM-SSY operates as a Central Sector Scheme designed to expand Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) projects coupled with Energy Storage Systems (ESS).
  • Floating solar projects install solar panels on floating structures over water bodies, allowing clean power generation without using precious land resources.
  • The government has allocated Rs 5,070 crore under this scheme to set up 5,000 MW of floating solar capacity between FY 2026-27 and FY 2030-31.
  • This initiative builds on studies by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), which estimated India's floating solar potential at 102.18 GWp, compared to the current installed capacity of roughly 700 MW.
  • To maintain grid stability, every approved project must include co-located Energy Storage Systems with at least two hours of backup capacity, adding up to 10,000 MWh overall.
  • The government provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of Rs 1 crore per MW directly to developers once their floating solar project begins operating successfully.
  • To reduce early project risks, additional financial assistance up to Rs 50 lakh per project is available for water surveys, depth mapping, and environmental impact studies.
  • The scheme will raise India's floating solar capacity sharply from 700 MW to 5,700 MW.
  • This initiative will help lower carbon emissions by about 10 million tonnes of CO2 every year.
  • Setting up these projects will create an estimated 16,000 to 17,000 full-time jobs across design, construction, and operational phases.
  • The scheme promotes Aatmanirbhar Bharat by encouraging local manufacturing of floats, solar cells, panels, and battery storage units.
  • Adding two-hour battery energy storage systems (BESS) helps balance the power grid and meet heavy electricity demand during peak hours.

Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV)

  • Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) systems place solar panels directly over water bodies like dams, reservoirs, lakes, and industrial ponds rather than on dry land.
  • This technology offers a smart alternative to traditional ground-based solar plants because it avoids difficult land buying processes.
  • Since these plants float on water, they do not take away valuable land needed for farming or housing.
  • Installing floating solar infrastructure currently costs about 25% more than ground plants because special floating platforms, anchor lines, and waterproof equipment are required.
  • The Omkareshwar Floating Solar Park on the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh is India's largest working site with 278 MW capacity, which will expand to 600 MW.
  • Worldwide floating solar installation reached nearly 9.6 GW by 2024, with countries across Asia contributing almost 90% of that total.

Status of Solar Energy in India

  • India expanded its solar energy capacity rapidly from 3 GW in 2014 to nearly 129 GW by 2025, pushing toward the target of 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030.
  • States like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu lead the country in solar energy generation thanks to favorable sunshine and helpful state policies.
  • Projects like the Green Energy Corridor are helping build stronger power lines so clean energy moves efficiently from production centers to the main grid.
  • Rooftop solar adoption reached 24 lakh homes by December 2025 through PM Surya Ghar Yojana, while PM-KUSUM helps farmers power agricultural pumps with solar energy.
  • The government approved Rs 5,400 crore under Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to help build 30 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
  • Under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), India achieved 100 GW in domestic solar panel manufacturing capacity, advancing self-reliance.
  • The International Solar Alliance (ISA), headquartered in Gurugram, connects countries located between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn to grow global solar investments.