Government Details ₹5,070 Crore PM Surya Sarovar Yojana for 5,000 MW Floating Solar Capacity

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has outlined the operational framework for the ‘Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana’ (PM-SSY), a central sector scheme approved with a total financial outlay of ₹5,070 crore to install 5,000 megawatts (MW) of floating solar photovoltaic projects, according to the Press Information Bureau.

The scheme, scheduled for implementation from FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31, introduces a land-neutral model for large-scale solar power expansion by utilizing the water surfaces of major irrigation dams, reservoirs, and thermal power plant water holding bodies.

Mandatory Battery Energy Storage Integration

A core feature of PM-SSY is the mandatory integration of co-located Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). To ensure round-the-clock grid reliability and manage peak evening demand, every project sanctioned under the scheme must incorporate storage with a minimum duration of two hours, establishing a cumulative storage capacity of 10,000 megawatt-hours (MWh).

Deploying solar photovoltaic panels on water bodies provides multiple operational advantages, including higher power generation efficiency due to the natural cooling effect of water and a significant reduction in water evaporation from agricultural and municipal reservoirs.

Implementation and Bidding Process

Under the program guidelines detailed in a Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Report, projects will be awarded to central and state public sector undertakings as well as private developers through transparent tariff-based competitive bidding. The initiative forms part of India’s broader target to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil power capacity by 2030.