PM lays foundation stone for 50 MW floating solar project in Kerala

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for a 50 MW floating solar project at West Kallada in Kerala on Wednesday during his visit to Ernakulam. The project was announced alongside the inauguration and launch of infrastructure projects worth over Rs 10,800 crore under the “Viksit Keralam – Viksit Bharat” initiative.

The floating solar project is being developed by NHPC Limited under the Solar Park Scheme of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The project involves an investment of more than Rs 260 crore.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said the project would support India’s clean energy transition and strengthen efforts toward a low-carbon energy system. He noted that India has emerged among the world’s top ten solar power-producing nations and encouraged wider adoption of floating solar technology in Kerala, citing the state’s extensive water bodies as suitable sites for such projects.

The event was attended by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Tourism Suresh Gopi, and Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying George Kurian.

Photo credit: NHPC