Kerala Approves Guidelines for Floating Solar to Meet Rising Power Demand

The Kerala Cabinet has approved draft 'Guidelines on the Development of Floating Solar Power Plants' as the state struggles with rising electricity consumption.

Hydropower remains Kerala’s primary energy source, but its heavy reliance on seasonal rainfall poses significant risks. With domestic electricity consumption increasing steadily, the state is exploring diversified renewable energy sources to meet the surging demand. Floating solar power has emerged as a promising solution, utilising Kerala’s vast network of reservoirs, lakes, and backwaters to generate clean energy without the need for additional land. 

The Cabinet’s approval of new guidelines establishes a structured framework for the development of floating solar power plants, streamlining site selection, project approvals, and implementation. As per the draft guidelines, a single-window clearance system will facilitate faster execution, while the Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (ANERT) will serve as the nodal agency overseeing the initiative.

It has set an ambitious target of developing 3 GW of floating solar capacity by strategically utilising reservoirs, abandoned mining pits, and other suitable water bodies. Further, it says that each district will maintain a comprehensive repository of potential sites for floating solar projects, including both government-owned and private water bodies. To encourage broad participation, projects will be implemented through multiple avenues. Government-initiated projects will be allocated through tenders or expressions of interest, while private developers will be allowed to propose projects on privately owned water bodies. Additionally, pre-approved land bank locations will enable faster approvals, reducing delays and accelerating deployment.

To ensure effective oversight, a state-level committee, chaired by the Chief Secretary, will oversee policy decisions, while district-level committees, led by District Collectors, will be responsible for site identification and project approvals. The government has classified potential floating solar sites into two categories, viz., large reservoirs under the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and the Water Resources Department, which together could generate up to 5,000 MW, and backwaters, mining pits, and non-agricultural land, which are estimated to have a capacity of around 1,500 MW.

The Kerala State Electricity Board will have the first right to procure power from these floating solar projects, ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply for the state. In cases where reservoirs are under the control of the Water Resources Department, the department will have priority access to the generated power, followed by KSEB. The projects will be developed under the Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model, integrating energy storage solutions to cover up to 50 percent of the power generated, enhancing reliability and efficiency. Beyond power generation, floating solar projects will also be integrated with pumped storage hydropower systems to maximise renewable energy utilisation.

The government is exploring the use of surplus energy for green hydrogen production through electrolysis, aligning with Kerala’s long-term sustainability and clean energy goals. By advancing floating solar technology, Kerala is positioning itself as a leader in renewable energy innovation, reinforcing its commitment to energy security and environmental conservation. The success of this initiative will depend on efficient execution, continuous monitoring, and sustained investment in renewable infrastructure, ensuring the state can meet its growing electricity needs while reducing reliance on conventional power sources.

It may be noted that as per the Kerala State Planning Board, during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2022-2027), a significant addition of 3,000 MW through renewable energy sources, including hydropower, solar, and wind, is proposed. By 2025, 40 percent of Kerala’s electricity demand must be met from renewables. Key initiatives include the second stage of the Idukki Hydroelectric Project, completion of 156 MW hydro projects, and rooftop solar installations in one lakh premises.

The Board further stated, "Kerala has extensive man-made water bodies suitable for floating solar PV projects. Among the state’s 81 dams, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) owns 59, forming 45 reservoirs, the Kerala Irrigation Department controls 20 dams with 20 reservoirs, and the Kerala Water Authority oversees two dams with two reservoirs. The plan includes installing medium-sized (100 MW to 300 MW) grid-storage-based floating solar power plants in dam reservoirs and lakes."