Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY): Overview

Key Scheme Parameters

  • Scheme Type: Central Sector Scheme
  • Total Outlay: Rs 5,070 crore
  • Target Capacity: 5,000 MW of Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) projects
  • Implementation Period: FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31
  • Implementing Basis: National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) assessment

India's Floating Solar Potential

  • Estimated Potential: 102.18 GWp (per NISE assessment)
  • Current Installed Capacity: ~700 MW
  • Gap Analysis: Significant untapped potential available

Financial Support Mechanism

  • Central Financial Assistance (CFA): Rs 1 crore per MW upon successful commissioning
  • Project De-risking CFA: Up to Rs 50 lakh per project for feasibility studies (bathymetry, hydrography, environmental studies)

Energy Storage Requirements

  • Mandatory Integration: Co-located Energy Storage Systems (ESS)
  • Minimum Storage Duration: 2 hours
  • Total Storage Capacity: 10,000 MWh across the scheme
  • Purpose: Grid stability and peak demand management

Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) Technology

What is FSPV?

Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) refers to solar PV systems installed on water bodies such as:

  • Reservoirs
  • Lakes
  • Dams
  • Industrial ponds

Advantages of FSPV

  • Land-Efficient: Does not compete for scarce land resources
  • Water Conservation: Reduces water evaporation from reservoirs
  • Higher Efficiency: Water cooling effect improves panel performance
  • No Land Conflicts: Eliminates competition with agricultural land and habitation

Cost Considerations

  • Higher Initial Cost: Floating solar projects cost ~25% more than ground-mounted plants due to:
  • Floating platforms
  • Anchoring systems
  • Waterproof electrical infrastructure

Flagship Project: Omkareshwar Floating Solar Park

  • Location: Narmada River, Madhya Pradesh
  • Current Capacity: 278 MW (India's largest operational project)
  • Planned Expansion: 600 MW

Significance for India

Capacity Addition

  • Increase floating solar capacity from 700 MW to 5,700 MW
  • Leverage vast water body resources for renewable energy

Climate Goals

  • CO₂ Reduction: ~10 million tonnes annually
  • Renewable Energy Target: Support 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030

Employment Generation

  • Job Creation: 16,000-17,000 full-time equivalent jobs
  • Value Chain Impact: Manufacturing, installation, operations, maintenance

Aatmanirbhar Bharat Initiative

Promote domestic manufacturing of:

  • Floatation systems
  • PV cells and modules
  • Energy storage systems
  • Complete project value chain

Status of Solar Energy in India

Rapid Capacity Expansion

ParameterValue
Solar Capacity (2014)3 GW
Solar Capacity (2025)~129 GW
Target Non-Fossil Capacity500 GW by 2030

Leading Solar States

  • Rajasthan
  • Gujarat
  • Maharashtra
  • Tamil Nadu

Key Government Initiatives

  • PM Surya Ghar Yojana: ~24 lakh rooftop solar installations (till Dec 2025)
  • PM-KUSUM: Grid-connected solar pumps for farmers
  • Green Energy Corridor: Transmission infrastructure strengthening
  • BESS VGF Scheme: Rs 5,400 crore for 30 GWh battery storage
  • ALMM: 100 GW Solar PV module manufacturing capacity achieved

International Solar Alliance (ISA)

  • Indian-led global diplomatic initiative
  • Headquarters: Gurugram
  • Objective: Mobilize investments for solar technology among sun-rich countries (between Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn)

Global Context

  • Global Floating Solar Capacity (2024): ~9.6 GW
  • Asia's Share: Nearly 90% of global installations
  • Growth Trend: Rapid expansion expected in coming years