Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Telangana Eyes Floating Solar Projects Amid Rising Power Demand
Telangana needs more electricity because industry and household purchasing power have grown.
The government is considering putting solar panels on the surfaces of large reservoirs.
This kind of project is called floating solar power.
The Energy and Irrigation departments are studying whether the projects are practical.
Several reservoirs, including Nagarjuna Sagar and Srisailam, are being considered.
Floating solar plants cost more than ordinary solar plants.
The Centre may provide up to ₹1 crore for each megawatt, but domestic-equipment rules could add about ₹1.30 crore per megawatt.
Officials say changing those rules could attract more investors.
Telangana is studying floating solar plants on reservoirs of major and medium irrigation projects.
Potential sites include Nagarjuna Sagar, Srisailam, Pulichintala, Sriramsagar, Sripada Yellampalli and other reservoirs.
Peak power demand rose from about 15,000 MW in December 2023 to either 18,543 MW currently or 19,000 MW on September 9, according to different reports.
The Centre offers up to ₹1 crore per MW in viability-gap funding, while domestic-equipment rules may add about ₹1.30 crore per MW.
Telangana spends about ₹14,000 crore annually on agricultural power subsidies, while total electricity subsidies were reported at nearly ₹19,000 crore.
- Who
- The Telangana government, led on the proposal by Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka.
- What
- The government is studying floating solar plants and other non-conventional energy projects to increase renewable power generation.
- When
- The proposal was discussed in the Assembly on Thursday; one report was published on September 10, 2026, and cited demand figures for September 9.
- Where
- On reservoirs across Telangana, including Nagarjuna Sagar, Srisailam, Pulichintala, Sriramsagar, Sripada Yellampalli, Devadula, Komaram Bheem, Paleru, Wyra, Mallanna Sagar, LMD, Mid Manair and Pocharam.
- Why
- Electricity demand has risen with industrial growth and increased purchasing power, creating a need to strengthen power generation and distribution.
Expansion Case
Cost and Regulation Concerns
Need for additional power
Expansion Case
The government says rising demand linked to industrial growth and increased purchasing power requires stronger generation and distribution capacity, including new renewable sources.
Cost and Regulation Concerns
Floating solar projects are not yet confirmed; the Energy and Irrigation departments are still studying their feasibility.
Investor participation
Expansion Case
Floating solar could help expand non-conventional energy, and the government is seeking to encourage investors.
Cost and Regulation Concerns
Projects cost more than conventional solar, while domestic-equipment requirements may add about ₹1.30 crore per MW; officials say regulatory relaxation could be needed to increase investor interest.
- Current peak demand
- 18,543 MW, according to one report; another reported 19,000 MW on September 9
- Earlier peak demand
- About 15,000 MW in December 2023
- Potential project sites
- Reservoirs including Nagarjuna Sagar, Srisailam, Pulichintala, Sriramsagar and Sripada Yellampalli
- Central viability-gap funding
- Up to ₹1 crore per MW
- Domestic-equipment cost burden
- About ₹1.30 crore per MW
- Agricultural electricity subsidy
- About ₹14,000 crore annually
- Total reported electricity subsidies
- Nearly ₹19,000 crore annually, including about ₹5,000 crore for a free-power scheme covering up to 200 units for around 55 lakh families
