July 2025, India. India is expanding its floating solar photovoltaic (FSPV) capacity to boost renewable energy while conserving land and water.
Recent Developments:
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant: In May 2025, NPCIL partnered with Ciel & Terre for a 50 MW floating solar plant on a seawater dyke in Tamil Nadu, integrating solar with nuclear infrastructure.
Omkareshwar Floating Solar Power Park: The world's largest floating solar plant (90 MW) in Madhya Pradesh, commissioned in August 2024, has resumed operations after storm damage.
Narmada Canal Project: In December 2023, GSECL and PDEU approved a 3 MW floating solar project on the Narmada canal in Gujarat.
Potential and Challenges:
A 2024 study estimates India's inland water bodies could host ~207 GW of floating solar. Challenges include land acquisition disputes and environmental concerns, such as the opposition to a 100 MW project in Maharashtra in January 2025.
Conclusion:
India's 2025 floating solar initiatives reflect efforts to harness renewable energy and address conservation. Continued innovation, policy support, and stakeholder collaboration are needed.