Topic: Infrastructure: Energy
Q5. Assess the role of floating solar projects in achieving India’s renewable energy targets. Explain the major implementation challenges. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question
The launch of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (2026) has brought floating solar projects into focus as an innovative solution for expanding renewable energy while addressing land and storage constraints.
Key Demand of the question
The question requires assessing the contribution of floating solar projects towards India’s renewable energy targets and explaining the major technical, financial, environmental and institutional challenges affecting their implementation.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly introduce Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) technology and its relevance to India’s clean energy transition.
Body
- Role in renewable energy targets: Explain how floating solar contributes to renewable capacity expansion, energy security and climate commitments.
- Implementation challenges: Discuss the financial, technical, ecological, operational and institutional constraints affecting large-scale adoption.
Conclusion
Conclude by emphasising the need for sustainable scaling of floating solar through innovation, storage integration and effective policy support.
