The Kerala government is set to introduce a three-tier system to streamline the implementation of floating solar power plants in reservoirs, backwaters, and water-filled quarries.

As per an August 1 Power Department order, responsibilities will be shared among a high-level committee, an empowered committee, and districtlevel committees. The high-level committee, headed by the Chief Secretary, will oversee lease rents, land allocation, approvals, and measures to attract developers. It includes top officials from Power, Finance, Water Resources, Forest, Environment, Agriculture, Fisheries, Local Self-Government, Revenue departments, and ANERT.

District-level committees, led by District Collectors, will create ‘land banks’ of potential sites and propose both government and private lands for project development. The empowered committee, chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary (Power), will review technical aspects, identify sites, and monitor progress.

These panels align with the ‘Guidelines for the Installation of Floating Solar Plants’ approved earlier this year, which envision a single-window clearance system and district-level site banks. The initiative complements Kerala’s Solar Energy Policy, aiming to fully tap the potential of waterbodies for clean power generation and attract investment in renewable energy infrastructure.