Pradhan
Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY)
Prelims:
Government Schemes, Energy
Mains:
GS Paper III-Infrastructure
Current relevance:
The Union Cabinet has approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar
Yojana (PM-SSY) with a total outlay of ₹5,070 crore for the
development of Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) Projects integrated
with Energy Storage Systems (ESS).
Highlights:
1.
Objectives:
It is a Central
Sector Scheme that promotes the development
of 5,000 MW of
Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV)
projects integrated with Energy
Storage Systems (ESS).
2.
Integrated
Energy Storage Systems
The scheme mandates co-located Energy Storage Systems with a minimum storage capacity of two hours (10,000 MWh) to improve
grid reliability.
3.
Central
Financial Assistance (CFA):
i.
₹1 crore per MW will be provided for eligible Floating Solar Photovoltaic projects
after successful commissioning.
ii.
Up to ₹50 lakh per project will be provided for feasibility studies, including bathymetry,
hydrography, environmental studies, and other preparatory activities
required for project de-risking.
4.
Promotes the
productive utilisation of existing reservoirs
and industrial ponds while eliminating
competition for scarce land resources. It also strengthens grid reliability
through the integration of Energy
Storage Systems (ESS).
5.
Sustainable
Development:
i.
The scheme is
expected to reduce around
10 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
ii.
It is projected
to generate approximately 16,000–17,000
full-time equivalent employment opportunities across the project value chain.
iii.
It will promote
domestic
manufacturing of floatation systems, PV
cells, modules, energy storage systems and other components, supporting the
vision of Aatmanirbhar
Bharat.
About Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV):
i.
It is a solar
energy generation system in which solar
photovoltaic panels are mounted on floating platforms over water bodies such as reservoirs, lakes, dams, irrigation ponds
and industrial ponds.
ii.
The electricity
generated by these floating solar installations is transmitted to the power
grid through underwater or floating cable systems.
iii.
India's first Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) project was commissioned in 2015 at Rajarhat,
Kolkata, West Bengal, marking the country's entry into floating solar power
generation.
iv.
India's largest Floating Solar Photovoltaic
(FSPV) project was commissioned in 2022
at Ramagundam, Telangana, with an installed capacity of 100 MW.
Source: PIB - https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2292433®=48&lang=2