Itanagar, Aug 4: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Tuesday hailed the Centre’s approval of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY), saying the ambitious scheme to develop 5,000 MW of floating solar capacity with energy storage marks another major milestone in India's clean energy transition.
In a social media post, Mein said the new initiative would further accelerate the country's renewable energy journey while strengthening energy security and supporting sustainable economic growth.
"India has approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY) to develop 5,000 MW of floating solar capacity with energy storage. With rapid growth in capacity, manufacturing and adoption, solar power is accelerating India's clean energy transition," he said in a post on X.
Highlighting the wider impact of the renewable energy sector, Mein, who also holds the Power and Hydropower portfolios, said that the sector is strengthening energy security, supporting economic growth, advancing climate goals and reinforcing India's leadership in renewable energy.
The Deputy Chief Minister also pointed to the rapid expansion of rooftop solar adoption across the country under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, describing it as a key driver of India's transition to clean energy.
"India's solar journey has witnessed a remarkable transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. With 50 lakh households adopting rooftop solar through PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, the country is accelerating its transition towards a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future," he said in another post.
The Union Cabinet recently approved the PM Surya Sarovar Yojana with a financial outlay of Rs 5,070 crore to promote floating solar photovoltaic projects across reservoirs and other suitable water bodies.
The scheme aims to create 5,000 MW of floating solar capacity, integrated with energy storage systems to ensure reliable power supply while reducing dependence on land for large-scale solar installations.
Floating solar projects are also expected to reduce water evaporation and improve solar panel efficiency due to the cooling effect of water.
The scheme is part of the Centre's broader strategy to expand renewable energy capacity and achieve India's long-term clean energy and climate goals. (PTI)