IIT Roorkee Report Outlines Roadmap to Scale Up Floating Solar PV in India
Roorkee/New Delhi, September 3, 2026: The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) has prepared a national-level report on Scaling up Floating Solar Photovoltaic Systems (FSPV), offering recommendations for accelerating the deployment of floating solar projects in India.
The report has been developed in alignment with the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY) and aims to support India’s renewable energy expansion and long-term Net Zero 2070 objectives.
Floating Solar Photovoltaic systems, which are installed on water bodies such as reservoirs and industrial ponds, can help generate renewable electricity while reducing the pressure on land resources. The technology also provides an opportunity to make productive use of existing water reservoirs and support the optimal utilisation of water resources.
MNRE Secretary Releases IIT Roorkee Report
The report was formally released by Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). He highlighted the potential of floating solar technology in supporting India’s energy transition and renewable energy goals.
According to Sarangi, FSPV systems can contribute to the large-scale integration of renewable energy while helping optimise the use of water resources. He also stressed the importance of evidence-based studies to guide policy, investment and implementation as India moves towards its climate and Net Zero targets.
Study Reviews Global Floating Solar Growth
The study was conducted under the leadership of Prof. Arun Kumar, IIT Roorkee. It examines the global development, growth trends and deployment of floating photovoltaic systems, with a particular focus on their potential in India.
The report also analyses the policy and regulatory frameworks adopted by different countries for floating solar development. Based on this international assessment, the study proposes recommendations for establishing a robust framework for FSPV deployment in India.
One of the key outcomes of the study is a proposed strategy for supporting the growth of floating solar projects across the country.
Key Focus Areas Identified
The recommended framework focuses on several areas, including:
- Identification and assessment of suitable sites
- Environmental safeguards for water bodies
- Financial incentives to support FSPV projects
- Policy and regulatory support
- Technology development and deployment
- Greater coordination among stakeholders
FSPV Could Reduce Competition for Land
The report highlights that floating solar projects can help India expand its renewable energy capacity without creating the same level of competition for land associated with conventional ground-mounted solar projects.
The use of reservoirs and industrial ponds for solar installations could provide additional opportunities for renewable energy generation while supporting broader energy and environmental objectives.
Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, highlighted the institute’s commitment to developing science-driven solutions for India’s clean energy transition. He noted that FSPV can contribute to scalable and sustainable energy systems while supporting national priorities as well as global climate and water conservation objectives.
Government, Industry and Financial Stakeholders Participate
The report release brought together senior representatives from the renewable energy and power sectors, including officials from MNRE, Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) and the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE).
The event also included representatives from the FSPV industry, government and private developers, equipment suppliers, consultants, financial institutions, technology providers and other domain experts.
Among the participants were Shri Mayank Tiwari, Additional Secretary, MNRE; Shri Akash Tripathi, Managing Director, SECI; Shri JVN Subramanyam, Joint Secretary, MNRE; Shri S D Sharma, CWC; and Shri Md. Musharraf Ali Faruqui, Vice Chairman and MD, TGREDCO Ltd., Hyderabad.
IIT Roorkee Calls for Greater R&D
Speaking at the event, Prof. Arun Kumar said that the report was prepared in close coordination with FSPV stakeholders across the country and could provide a basis for further research and development in the sector.
He also emphasised the need for greater investment in research and development, particularly to strengthen indigenous FSPV technologies and improve understanding of their impact on water bodies.
Report to Support India’s Clean Energy Transition
By bringing together research, policy and industry perspectives, the IIT Roorkee study provides a framework for further development of floating solar technology in India.
The report is expected to serve as a reference for policymakers, utilities, developers and other stakeholders working on renewable energy and low-carbon infrastructure.
The expansion of floating solar could support India’s renewable energy capacity addition while reducing pressure on land resources and contributing to more sustainable use of water bodies. The initiative also reflects the growing focus on technology-led solutions to support India’s transition towards a cleaner and climate-resilient energy system.
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