NEW DELHI, August 1 — The Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY) with an allocation of ₹5,070 crore to install 5,000 MW of floating solar power projects integrated with battery energy storage systems across reservoirs and water bodies nationwide.
Implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, PM-SSY seeks to utilize existing water surface areas of major dams, lakes and irrigation reservoirs for clean energy generation without acquiring agricultural or forest land. Floating solar panels also reduce water evaporation losses from reservoirs while benefiting from natural water cooling to boost solar PV cell efficiency.
The scheme targets completion by FY 2030–31 and provides capital grant support for solar developers and state utilities setting up floating solar arrays coupled with energy storage facilities.
General awareness questions in upcoming SSC and Railway exams frequently touch upon renewable energy targets and scheme outlays; aspirants should note PM-SSY's 5,000 MW target and its dual focus on solar generation and water conservation.