Largest Floating Solar Power Plant in India Turned On

As I wrote a couple of days ago, one of the big and fun trends in the solar industry globally is the expansion of floating solar PV power plants. There’s just something fun about floating anything, and in this case particularly floating solar arrays. Floating solar power systems are making their way to more and more places, and they are growing larger in the places they have already had a presence. The latest example: India has just turned on its largest floating solar power plant to date.

The 126-megawatt Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project was developed by Indian energy giant Tata Power Renewable Energy. It is in Madhya Pradesh in central India.

The project uses 213,460 bifacial glass-to-glass solar modules. It also includes the largest Inverter Floating Platform (IFP), which spans 260 acres of water body area. It is expected to produce 204,580 MWh of electricity a year.

One of the great benefits of floating solar power plants is they also prevent evaporation — along with protecting air quality, preventing CO2 emissions, and producing electricity.

“To ensure stability and operational efficiency, the installation incorporates cutting-edge engineering solutions such as robust mooring systems, wave breakers, ballast anchors, and adaptive cableways,” Tata Power Renewable Energy writes.

“Uniquely positioned between the Indirasagar and Omkareshwar hydroelectric reservoirs, this innovative project has navigated complex environmental and logistical challenges — such as fluctuating water levels, high winds, and limited site access — reaching successful completion within just 26 months.”

“The commissioning of the Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project marks a significant milestone for NHDC Limited and our commitment to sustainable energy solutions,” Mr. Rajeev Jain, Managing Director of NHDC Limited, stated. “By partnering with Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited on this project, we have demonstrated that floating solar technology can provide clean energy while preserving vital water resources. We are excited about the potential this project holds for future renewable energy developments in India.”