Centre Approves Rs 5,070 Crore Scheme to Boost Floating Solar Capacity to 5,000 MW
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Economy
Why in news
The Union Cabinet has cleared a Rs 5,070 crore scheme to increase India's floating solar photovoltaic (FSPV) capacity from 700 MW to 5,000 MW, along with mandatory storage. This move aims to utilize water reservoirs for solar generation, addressing land scarcity and boosting renewable energy.
Background
Floating solar plants are installed on water bodies, reducing land use and benefiting from cooling effects. India's current FSPV capacity is 700 MW, and the government aims to expand it significantly to meet renewable energy targets.
Key facts
The scheme has a total outlay of Rs 5,070 crore.
Target: Increase FSPV capacity from 700 MW to 5,000 MW.
Projects must include storage with a minimum capacity of 2 hours.
The scheme aims to utilize existing water reservoirs for solar plants.
This helps eliminate competition for land resources.
National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) declared Maharashtra has the highest FSPV potential at 16.3 GW.
Madhya Pradesh has the second-highest FSPV potential at 14.9 GW.
Karnataka has the third-highest FSPV potential at 13.7 GW.
Prelims pointers
- FSPV: Floating Solar Photovoltaic
- Scheme outlay: Rs 5,070 crore
- Target capacity: 5,000 MW
- Storage requirement: minimum 2 hours
- NISE: National Institute of Solar Energy
- Maharashtra: highest FSPV potential (16.3 GW)
- Madhya Pradesh: second (14.9 GW)
- Karnataka: third (13.7 GW)
Mains angles
- Discuss the significance of floating solar projects in India's renewable energy transition.
- Examine the challenges and opportunities in utilizing water bodies for solar power generation.
- Analyze the role of storage in enhancing the reliability of solar power.