Why in News?
The Union Government has approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY), aimed at developing 5,000 MW of floating solar capacity along with Energy Storage Systems (ESS).
Importance
- Floating solar projects will add to renewable capacity without eating into land resources. This is a real constraint for large solar projects in India.
- Domestic manufacturing gets a push here too and so does employment in the renewable energy space.
- Pairing ESS with solar projects should help grid reliability, since storage smooths out supply.
- It supports India's Panchamrit goals, energy security, climate action and the target of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070.
Key Highlights
- PM-SSY: This scheme was approved on 31 July 2026 with an outlay of ₹5,070 crore, to be implemented from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31.
- Floating Solar Capacity: Aims to develop 5,000 MW of Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) projects with 10,000 MWh of Energy Storage Systems having a minimum storage duration of two hours.
- Potential: The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) estimates India's floating solar potential at around 102.18 GWp across reservoirs and inland water bodies.
- Expected Benefits: The scheme should cut close to 10 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions a year, create 16,000-17,000 full-time equivalent jobs, and give a boost to domestic manufacturing of floatation systems, PV cells, modules and storage systems.
- Solar Growth: India's installed solar capacity has grown from about 3 GW in 2014 to 162.15 GW as of 30 June 2026.
- Global Position: India added 37 GW of solar capacity in 2025, surpassed the United States in annual additions, and became the world's second-largest solar growth market.
- FY 2025-26 Performance: India added 44.61 GW of solar capacity during FY 2025-26. Total non-fossil fuel capacity reached 283.46 GW, including 274.68 GW of renewable energy capacity.
- Major Solar States: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra account for a major share of India's installed solar capacity.
Static Fact
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) was jointly launched by India and France at COP21, Paris, in 2015. It works toward global cooperation in solar energy - sharing technology, building capacity and channeling investment. Its headquarters is in Gurugram, Haryana.
About PM-KUSUM
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) was launched in 2019.
- It promotes solar pumps, decentralised solar plants and feeder solarisation for the agriculture sector.
- The idea is reliable daytime electricity for irrigation, cutting down dependence on diesel.
