Context:
A report by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), Gurugram estimates that Indian reservoirs can support about 102 GW of floating solar power capacity.
Explanation:
- Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FPV) systems consist of solar panels mounted on floating structures placed on reservoirs, lakes, ponds and other water bodies.
- NISE estimates a potential of 102.18 GW by utilizing up to 20% of the surface area of suitable reservoirs.
- The assessment considered reservoirs and lakes larger than 10 hectares, with water availability for at least 11 months annually, depths of 3–30 metres, and solar irradiation above 4.5 kWh/m²/day.
- States with the highest estimated potential are Maharashtra (16.28 GW), Madhya Pradesh (14.89 GW), Karnataka (13.69 GW), Odisha (12.81 GW) and Telangana (10.72 GW).
- India’s largest floating solar project is the Omkareshwar Floating Solar Park on the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh, currently operating at 278 MW with plans for expansion.
- Floating solar reduces land acquisition requirements, lowers water evaporation and can improve solar panel efficiency through the cooling effect of water.
- The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) is an autonomous institute under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
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