Odisha Plans Floating Solar Projects on Reservoirs, Six Sites Shortlisted

The Odisha government is planning to develop floating solar power projects on reservoirs as part of its efforts to expand renewable energy generation without requiring large areas of land.

In the initial phase, six reservoirs across the state have been shortlisted. Following detailed field inspections and technical assessments, two of these reservoirs are expected to be selected for the proposed projects.

The six shortlisted reservoirs are Harabhangi in Gajapati district, Sorada in Ganjam, Ramial in Dhenkanal, Derjang in Angul, Jharbandh in Bargarh and Gohira in Deogarh.

Officials to Inspect Reservoirs from July 17

According to information from the Water Resources Department, a high-level team of officials will visit the shortlisted reservoirs between July 17 and 22.

The team will assess whether the sites are suitable for floating solar projects and examine key requirements such as infrastructure, accessibility and logistics. Officials will also coordinate with various stakeholders before recommending the most suitable locations.

During the field visits, the team will inspect nearby Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) substations and gather information on possible power evacuation facilities. Power evacuation infrastructure is essential for transmitting electricity generated by the solar projects to the power grid.

After completing the inspections, the officials will prepare a detailed report recommending the most suitable reservoirs. The findings are expected to be discussed at the next meeting of the State Reservoir Committee.

Multiple Departments Involved

The Water Resources Department has asked several departments and agencies to nominate officials for the proposed field visits.

These include the Industries Department, Fisheries Department, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Tourism Department, GRIDCO and OPTCL.

The involvement of multiple departments is expected to help assess the environmental, technical, commercial and logistical aspects of the proposed projects.

What Is a Floating Solar Project?

A floating solar project consists of solar panels installed on floating structures placed on the surface of a reservoir, lake or other water body.

Unlike conventional solar power plants, floating solar projects do not require large areas of land. They allow unused water surfaces to be utilised for clean electricity generation.

Such projects can help increase renewable energy capacity while reducing pressure on land resources.

Six Reservoirs Shortlisted

The reservoirs identified for preliminary assessment are:

Reservoir	District
Harabhangi	Gajapati
Sorada	Ganjam
Ramial	Dhenkanal
Derjang	Angul
Jharbandh	Bargarh
Gohira	Deogarh

Push for Clean Energy in Odisha

The proposed floating solar projects are expected to support Odisha’s efforts to expand clean and renewable energy generation.

By using available water surfaces, the state can generate solar power while reducing the need for conventional land acquisition. The projects could also contribute to the diversification of Odisha’s renewable energy infrastructure.

The proposal follows a workshop held on June 20 in collaboration with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), where the technical and commercial feasibility of floating solar projects was discussed in detail.

Following the workshop, the State Reservoir Committee shortlisted the six reservoirs based on specified criteria.

The final selection of two reservoirs will depend on the findings of the upcoming field inspections and further evaluation by the state government.