Science TechnologyThursday, 18 June 2026·The Hindu - Science
India’s floating solar potential: NISE estimates 102.18 GW from reservoirs
NISE’s first national assessment estimates that India’s reservoirs can host about 102.18 GW of floating solar capacity.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On June 10, 2026, the National Institute of Solar Energy under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy launched its first national assessment, estimating that India’s reservoirs can host about 102.18 GW of floating solar capacity.
Key specifics
- The report is titled Solar PV Potential of India (Floating Solar) and runs to 121 pages.
- NISE used six geospatial filters, including water bodies larger than 10 hectares and water present for at least 11 months a year.
- The assessment capped usable reservoir surface at 20%, yielding 1,946 sq. km. of feasible area.
- State-wise potential mentioned includes Maharashtra 16.28 GW, Madhya Pradesh 14.89 GW, Karnataka 13.69 GW, Odisha 12.81 GW and Telangana 10.72 GW.
- India’s flagship project cited was the Omkareshwar floating solar park in Madhya Pradesh’s Khandwa district, with 278 MW installed and plans to scale to 600 MW.
Exam lens
Science and technology question type: floating solar, NISE, MNRE, 102.18 GW, 20% cap, Omkareshwar 278 MW — TNPSC may ask which ministry launched the assessment and which state has the highest potential among those listed.