Kerala Unveils New Guidelines to Enhance Floating Solar Power Projects

Kerala has introduced new guidelines aimed at promoting floating solar power projects on its reservoirs and lakes, with the goal of enhancing the state’s renewable energy capacity. This policy includes subsidies, simplified approval processes, and technical standards to attract investment in the sector. Floating solar panels are known to increase efficiency, decrease evaporation, and improve water quality. This initiative not only supports Kerala’s transition to clean energy but also strengthens grid stability and sets a standard for sustainable energy innovation across India.

Overview

The Kerala Cabinet has sanctioned a comprehensive set of guidelines to facilitate the establishment of floating solar power plants, which is crucial for advancing the state’s renewable energy objectives. These guidelines establish a systematic approach for identifying potential project sites, processing applications from developers, and ensuring efficient project execution via a single-window system. Kerala has set an ambitious target of achieving 3 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by utilizing its reservoirs, backwaters, and abandoned mining sites for floating solar initiatives. The Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (ANERT) will coordinate the implementation of these projects.

Key Features of the Guidelines

1. District-Level Site ‘Banks’: Each district will create and maintain a repository of suitable locations for floating solar projects, including both private and government-owned water bodies.

2. Three-Mode Application Process:
   • Government-Initiated Projects: Sites identified by government agencies will be made available through tenders or expressions of interest (EOI).
   • Developer-Proposed Projects: Developers are allowed to propose projects on privately owned water bodies.
   • Projects in Land Bank Sites: Developers can apply for projects in pre-approved land bank sites, facilitating quicker clearances.
3. High-Level and District Committees for Oversight: A state-level committee led by the Chief Secretary will guide policy decisions, while district panels, headed by District Collectors, will focus on site identification and expediting approvals.

4. Site Categories and Energy Potential:

   • Category A: Reservoirs managed by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and the Water Resources Department, with an estimated generation capacity of 5,000 MW using 10% of available space.
   • Category B: Backwaters, freshwater bodies from mining/quarrying, and non-agricultural lands, with a potential capacity of 1,500 MW using 10% of the available area.
5. Right of First Refusal for Power Procurement: KSEB will have the first right to purchase power from these floating solar projects. For projects on reservoirs overseen by the Water Resources Department, that department will have the first right, followed by KSEB.

6. Project Development Model: Developers are required to adopt the Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model and are encouraged to integrate storage solutions that cover up to 50% of the generated power.

7. Integration with Future Technologies: Floating solar plants have the potential to complement proposed pumped storage projects in hydropower dams. The energy produced can also aid in the generation of green hydrogen through electrolysis, aligning with the state’s long-term sustainability vision.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in Kerala’s commitment to renewable energy and its objective of achieving greater energy independence.