EnvironmentFriday, 19 June 2026·The Hindu - Science
India’s reservoirs can host 102 GW floating solar capacity: NISE national assessment
NISE’s first national assessment estimates 102.18 GW floating solar potential on India’s reservoirs, with Karnataka among top states.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On June 10, 2026, the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) launched its first national assessment, ‘Solar PV Potential of India (Floating Solar)’, estimating about 102.18 GW of floating solar capacity on India’s reservoirs.
Key specifics
- The report says India has 1,946 sq. km. of feasible reservoir area after applying six geospatial filters.
- The assessment capped usable surface at 20% of any reservoir and used a 10 km proximity filter for roads and substations.
- Maharashtra (16.28 GW), Madhya Pradesh (14.89 GW), Karnataka (13.69 GW), Odisha (12.81 GW) and Telangana (10.72 GW) account for most of the potential.
- India’s floating solar flagship is the 278 MW Omkareshwar floating solar park on the Narmada river in Madhya Pradesh’s Khandwa district.
- The report notes floating solar plants typically cost about 25% more upfront than ground-mounted systems, citing a 2021 U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory benchmark.
Exam lens
Question type: Environment and energy report-based MCQ, NISE, 102.18 GW, 20% cap, Omkareshwar 278 MW, Karnataka 13.69 GW; TNPSC may ask which state ranks among the top floating-solar potential states.