Bengaluru, Karnataka is exploring the potential to set up floating solar power projects across suitable reservoirs and water bodies for a capacity of 1,500 MW, to boost renewable energy generation and strengthen the state’s long-term energy security, Energy Minister K J George said on Wednesday.
The initiative is currently at the feasibility and planning stage. “Karnataka is exploring the potential for 1,500 MW of floating solar capacity by making productive use of suitable reservoir surfaces.
The initiative aims to utilise reservoir surfaces for renewable energy generation while reducing the requirement for additional land, George said. This initiative reflects our commitment to adopting innovative renewable-energy technologies while optimising land and water resources,” he said. The feasibility studies would help identify technically viable and environmentally sustainable locations for the proposed projects, the minister added, according to a release. KPCL Managing Director P Rajendra Cholan said the consultancy exercise would provide the technical foundation for evaluating the proposed capacity. “Developing floating solar projects requires detailed engineering assessments, particularly of reservoir bathymetry, water-level fluctuations, anchoring systems and power evacuation infrastructure,” he said. The studies will help KPCL identify suitable locations, assess power generation potential and prepare technically sound project reports, Cholan said. Final project locations, capacity distribution, investment requirements and implementation timelines will be determined based on technical assessments, statutory approvals and subsequent decisions, officials said.
