Which States Could Benefit Most from PM Surya Sarovar Yojana?

Following the Union Cabinet's approval of the PM Surya Sarovar Yojana, a ₹5,070-crore scheme to develop 5 GW of floating solar capacity, attention has turned to which parts of the country could benefit the most.

Although the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has not announced state-wise project allocations, estimates by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) show that Maharashtra has the country's highest floating solar potential at 16.3 GW, followed by Madhya Pradesh (14.9 GW) and Karnataka (13.7 GW).

These figures represent the estimated technical potential for floating solar projects and should not be interpreted as confirmed project allocations under the PM Surya Sarovar Yojana.

Maharashtra ranks first because of its extensive network of dams, reservoirs and irrigation water bodies, which provide large surface areas suitable for floating solar installations. Similar water infrastructure in Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka also contributes to their high estimated potential.

Unlike conventional solar parks that require large tracts of land, floating solar plants are installed on reservoirs and lakes. This approach reduces pressure on land resources while the cooling effect of water can improve solar panel performance.

The PM Surya Sarovar Yojana aims to add 5 GW of floating solar capacity with integrated battery energy storage systems to improve grid reliability. However, the government has not yet released detailed implementation guidelines, project locations or state-wise funding allocations.

States with substantial water resources are expected to play an important role once the scheme enters the implementation phase, but the final distribution of projects will depend on factors such as reservoir availability, grid connectivity, environmental approvals and the readiness of state agencies.

Until the Centre releases detailed guidelines, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka remain the states with the highest identified floating solar potential—not the confirmed beneficiaries of the scheme.

Sources https://nise.res.in/

https://mnre.gov.in/

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/floating-solar-plants-get-rs-5000cr-push/articleshow/132778146.cms