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The Union Cabinet has approved the PM-Surya Sarovar Yojana, a new initiative aimed at expanding India's floating solar power capacity. With a total outlay of ₹5,070 crore, the scheme is expected to promote clean energy generation by installing solar panels on lakes, reservoirs, and other water bodies across the country.

The initiative is designed to reduce dependence on fossil fuels while making better use of existing water resources without acquiring additional land.

What is PM-Surya Sarovar Yojana?

PM-Surya Sarovar Yojana is a Central Government scheme focused on developing Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) projects. Unlike conventional solar plants that require large tracts of land, floating solar panels are installed on the surface of water reservoirs, dams, and lakes.

The government aims to increase the country's floating solar capacity from around 700 MW to 5,000 MW under this scheme.

Key features of the scheme

Some of the major highlights include:

• Total government outlay of ₹5,070 crore.

• Expansion of floating solar capacity to 5,000 MW.

• Solar projects to be developed on existing reservoirs and water bodies.

• Energy storage systems with at least two hours of backup are planned as part of the projects.

Benefits of floating solar projects

Floating solar technology offers several advantages over conventional solar installations:

• Saves valuable agricultural and urban land.

• Reduces water evaporation from reservoirs.

• Improves solar panel efficiency due to the cooling effect of water.

• Increases renewable energy generation while lowering carbon emissions.

• Supports India's clean energy and climate goals.

Which states could benefit the most?

According to the National Institute of Solar Energy, several states have significant potential for floating solar projects. Among them:

• Maharashtra

• Madhya Pradesh

• Karnataka

These states have numerous large reservoirs suitable for floating solar installations.

Why is the scheme important?

India has been rapidly expanding its renewable energy capacity to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and move towards cleaner energy sources. The PM-Surya Sarovar Yojana is expected to play an important role by utilizing underused water surfaces for power generation without increasing pressure on land resources.

The bottom line

The newly approved PM-Surya Sarovar Yojana marks another significant step in India's renewable energy journey. By investing ₹5,070 crore in floating solar projects, the government aims to generate more clean electricity, conserve land resources, and strengthen the country's long-term energy security while promoting sustainable development.