NSPCL Commissions 15 MW Floating Solar Project in Chhattisgarh, Marking Major Expansion in India’s Floating Solar Capacity – EQ
In Short : NSPCL has commissioned a 15 MW floating solar power project in Chhattisgarh, marking a significant expansion of India’s floating solar capacity. The project highlights the growing adoption of innovative renewable technologies, optimizes waterbody utilization, and supports India’s clean energy goals by adding sustainable generation capacity while reducing land constraints and environmental impact.
In Detail : Raipur/Bhilai, Chhattisgarh – NTPC-SAIL Power Company Limited (NSPCL), a joint venture between Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and NTPC Limited, has successfully commissioned a 15 MW floating solar power plant at the Maroda-1 reservoir of the Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP), further strengthening Chhattisgarh’s position in India’s renewable energy landscape.
This milestone project expands India’s growing footprint in floating solar technology and aligns with the nation’s broader goal of accelerating clean energy adoption.
A Landmark Floating Solar Project Spanning 80 Acres
Spread across 80 acres, the floating solar installation was developed at a cost of ₹1.11 billion (~$12.5 million).
The project utilizes advanced floating platforms designed to withstand water-level variations while delivering high energy output and long-term durability.
The floating system not only generates renewable power but also helps reduce water evaporation, supports efficient land utilization, and offers higher energy efficiency due to natural water cooling beneath solar modules.
Madhav Infra Projects Led EPC Development
The Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract was awarded to Madhav Infra Projects Limited (MIPL) in May 2024 following an open tender process released in January 2024.
Under the scope of work, MIPL executed:
- Complete EPC development
- Construction of the power evacuation infrastructure
- A three-year O&M mandate post-commissioning
- Annual maintenance for critical plant components
The project is designed to generate 34.25 million units (MUs) of green electricity annually, significantly contributing to the clean energy supply of the Bhilai Steel Plant.
More Floating Solar to Come: Maroda-2 Project Announced
Chitta Ranjan Mohapatra, Interim Director of SAIL-BSP, announced that the success of the Maroda-1 system has paved the way for another floating solar project at the Maroda-2 reservoir, underscoring SAIL and NTPC’s commitment to scaling sustainable energy solutions across industrial operations.
The 15 MW project follows the signing of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between NTPC and SAIL in May 2024, ensuring long-term energy offtake and project stability.
NTPC Expands Floating Solar & Storage Portfolio Nationwide
The commissioning comes at a time when NTPC Renewable Energy is aggressively advancing floating solar and hybrid renewable systems. In May 2025, the company invited EPC bids for a 56 MW floating solar project with a 60 MW/240 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at NTPC North Karanpura in Jharkhand—one of India’s largest integrated floating solar + storage projects.
This signals NTPC’s continuous push toward technologically advanced, land-efficient renewable energy installations.
Floating Solar Emerging as a Major Growth Driver for India
During the Mercom India Renewables Summit 2025 (July 24–25 in New Delhi), Deepak Ushadevi, MD & CEO, Ciel et Terre Solar, highlighted that floating solar is rapidly transitioning from a niche segment to a mainstream renewable technology in India.
He noted floating systems offer:
- No land acquisition challenges
- Faster deployment and scalability
- Higher generation due to natural cooling
- Environmental benefits, including reduced reservoir evaporation
This has made floating solar an essential component of India’s renewable energy expansion strategy.
Solar Continues to Strengthen India’s Energy Mix
According to data from:
- Central Electricity Authority (CEA)
- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
- Mercom India Solar Project Tracker
As of June 2025:
- Solar power accounts for 24% of India’s total installed power capacity
- Solar represents 49.7% of the total installed renewable energy capacity
This makes solar by far the largest contributor to India’s renewable energy growth trajectory.
