World’s largest FPV in India – One Step Closer to Sustainability.

Floating Photovoltaics (FPV), also known as Floatovoltaics are nothing but solar panels with only one change- instead of being firmly attached to a structure that rests securely on land, these panels float on a water body. To provide the setup with more stability the solar panels are hooked tightly to firm structures called floaters that float on water bodies such as reservoirs, lakes, irrigation canals, etc. In case of a sudden increase or decrease in water levels, the floaters are anchored together to avoid damage to the solar panels. Such setups are being put into use in many countries like China, Thailand, France, Singapore, the US, the UK, and now in India too. The world’s largest FPV is currently undergoing construction in the Indhawadi village of Khandwa district in Madhya Pradesh.

Nearing completion, this solar energy project constructed at Omkareshwar dam on the Narmada River spreads over a 12 square kilometer area. Apart from being able to generate electricity from sunlight, this hydel project will also be to do so from water. This FPV is estimated to generate 20-25% power against its installed capacity which is comparatively higher than the standard power outputs of solar power panels. The enhanced efficiency is due mainly because of the abundant supply of sunlight because of being in the middle of an open water body. Another aspect that significantly contributes is the cooling factor. As there is water right below the panels, they remain cool and the hassle of installing an active cooling system can be overlooked. Active cooling mechanisms are put to use by installing fans, pumps, or any other devices that can circulate air, water, or other fluids to keep the temperature of the panels in check.

This FPV of 600MW power output is being set up in two parts or phases. The first block of Phase 1 was completed by the end of 2023, with 0.5MW and 0.4MW solar modules installed on August 18th, 2023. This phase of the power plant is estimated to have been producing energy at prices of ?3.20 to ?3.27 per unit which are quite low as opposed to the conventional coal-based thermal power plants. MP Power Management Company Limited is the sole purchaser of the energy generated by this FPV.

On its completion (expected by 31st March 2024), the FPV is likely to be recognized as a tourist spot and will also enable Khandwa to call itself the only district in Madhya Pradesh to have hydro, thermal, and floating solar power plants. It is also being ensured that after the installation of the FPV, the water of Narmada will continue to remain drinkable. The panels will not only reduce algae growth on the surface of the water body but also save 60% to 70% of water from evaporation.

All in all, the installation of FPVs is a giant leap toward India’s goal of incorporating sustainability into daily life. The rate at which we are using up our resources is increasing day by day, so switching over to these unconventional sources of energy has undeniably become the need of the hour. The day we exhaust all our resources is naturally inevitable, but even the slightest change in our method of producing energy will help postpone this catastrophe by a significant amount of time, thus ensuring that our future generations too get to experience nature and its various components in its full glory.