Odisha government plans to undertake floating solar power projects with a cumulative generation capacity of around 1,000 MW, leveraging its large and medium reservoirs. The initiative is part of the state’s broader goal of achieving 10 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, with 7.5 GW expected to come from solar sources alone.

An inter-departmental reservoir committee, established to explore and facilitate the development of floating solar energy, has already convened three times to drive timely execution.The committee has initiated the finalisation of integrated GIS maps for key reservoirs - Hirakud, Rengali, and Upper Indravati, while also exploring suitable locations at Upper Kolab and Balimela for project implementation. In an earlier phase, the state had engaged consultants to conduct feasibility studies for approx. 51 medium reservoirs, laying the groundwork for future expansion of floating solar capacity.

Highlighting Odisha’s potential, the International Forum for Environment, Sustainability and Technology (iFOREST) referred to data from the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), which estimates that the state has a floating solar generation capacity of 33.5 GW, spread across a feasible water surface area of 670 sq. km.

Floating solar farms not only optimise the use of unused water surfaces but also improve energy generation efficiency. The cooling effect of water is known to boost the performance of solar panels, making floating installations more efficient than traditional ground-mounted systems.