The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has initiated stakeholder consultations on a draft Floating Solar PV (FSPV) potential assessment and a draft policy framework, signalling movement toward formalising floating solar deployment in India. The draft potential report was prepared by the National Institute of Solar Energy, while the policy framework was developed by the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee.
With only around 700 MW of floating solar commissioned so far, MNRE acknowledged that limited site data and the absence of a clear execution framework have constrained growth. States and Union Territories have been urged to conduct internal consultations across departments including irrigation, fisheries, forest, distribution companies and revenue authorities, and to identify and prioritise suitable water bodies.
The proposed framework discusses de-risking measures such as plug-and-play models and streamlined approvals. MNRE will also hold consultations with other central authorities before finalising the policy.
