PM Surya Sarovar Yojana: Rs 5,070 Crore Floating Solar Plan
Why in the news
The Union Cabinet cleared a scheme to place solar plants on reservoirs and water bodies, saving land and curbing evaporation.
Key facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scheme | PM Surya Sarovar Yojana |
| Approved | 31 July 2026 |
| Ministry | New and Renewable Energy |
| Outlay | Rs 5,070 crore |
| Target | 5,000 MW floating solar PV, 10,000 MWh storage |
About floating solar
- Panels rest on buoyant platforms moored to the bed or banks of dams, reservoirs, lakes and industrial ponds.
- Underwater cables carry power ashore.
- It is land-neutral, avoiding acquisition disputes.
Advantages
- Efficiency: cooling by water lifts output about 5-15%.
- Less evaporation from shade.
- Hydro-solar link: reuses existing grid assets.
- Algae control: less sunlight improves water quality.
Exam angle
- Nodal ministry: MNRE.
- Other name: Floating Photovoltaic (FPV).