Government Issues Order to Set Up Floating Solar Power Plants

In view of the increasing demand for electricity, the government has approved guidelines for setting up floating solar power plants in brackish water, backwaters, and other water bodies. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to diversify renewable energy sources, as relying solely on hydropower is not feasible given the state's steadily increasing electricity consumption. The project aims to develop 3 GW of floating solar capacity by utilizing Kerala’s vast reservoirs, lakes, abandoned mine pits, and backwaters.

The Agency for Non-Conventional Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT) has been designated as the nodal agency overseeing the project. A high-level committee, chaired by the Chief Secretary, has been formed to coordinate its implementation. Additionally, district-level committees, led by district collectors, will be responsible for site identification and project approvals. The project will be sanctioned through tenders or expressions of interest, and installations may also take place in privately owned water bodies.

The government has classified floating solar sites under the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and the Water Resources Department into two categories: those capable of collectively generating up to 5,000 MW and backwaters, mining pits, and non-agricultural land, which have an estimated capacity of around 1,500 MW.

Kerala has an extensive network of man-made water bodies suitable for floating solar projects. Of the 81 dams in the state, 59 are owned by KSEB, including 45 reservoirs, while the Kerala Irrigation Department manages 20 dams with 20 reservoirs, and the Kerala Water Authority oversees two dams with two reservoirs. The project also includes plans for medium-sized grid-storage-based floating solar power plants, ranging from 100 MW to 300 MW, in dam reservoirs and lakes.

KSEB has the first right to the electricity generated from floating solar projects. If the reservoirs are under the control of the Water Resources Department, the department will receive priority in utilizing the electricity produced. By developing floating solar technology, Kerala aims to position itself at the forefront of renewable energy innovation.

According to the Kerala State Planning Board, during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2022-2027), the state aims to significantly expand its renewable energy capacity by adding 3,000 MW through hydropower, solar, and wind projects. By 2025, 40% of Kerala’s electricity needs are expected to be met through renewable energy sources.

https://document.kerala.gov.in/documents/cabinetdecisions/cabinet1803202516:11:48.pdf