India Identifies 102 GW Floating Solar Potential, MNRE Preparing Dedicated Support Scheme

India has identified an impressive 102 GWp (gigawatt-peak) floating solar potential across reservoirs and water bodies, opening a major new avenue for renewable energy development. The assessment was released on June 10, 2026, by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) and unveiled by Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi. The study estimates that harnessing floating solar resources could increase India’s total assessed solar potential to 3,445 GWp, significantly strengthening the country’s clean energy ambitions.

According to the report, the identified floating solar potential is based on the utilization of suitable reservoir surfaces across multiple states. Floating solar projects offer several advantages, including reduced land acquisition requirements, lower water evaporation losses, and improved module performance due to the cooling effect of water. The NISE assessment found a potential of 102.18 GWp across approximately 1,946 sq. km of feasible reservoir area, representing a significant untapped renewable energy resource.

To accelerate deployment, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is working on a dedicated support scheme for floating solar projects, which is expected to provide policy and financial backing for large-scale implementation. Speaking at the event, Pralhad Joshi highlighted that reservoirs and water bodies are emerging as strategic assets for clean energy generation and will play an important role in India’s transition toward sustainable energy infrastructure. The proposed scheme is expected to help overcome land constraints that often delay utility-scale solar development.

The announcement comes as India’s renewable energy sector continues to expand rapidly. The country’s installed solar capacity has already crossed 150 GW, while total renewable energy capacity has reached nearly 275 GW. With floating solar now emerging as the next growth frontier, India is positioning itself to maximize the use of existing water infrastructure while supporting its long-term target of expanding non-fossil fuel energy capacity and strengthening energy security.

Resource: Solar Quarter

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