Tata Power has partnered with Norway-based renewable energy technology company Ocean Sun to bring its innovative membrane-based floating solar technology to India. The companies plan a ~300 kWp pilot at Tata Power’s Mulshi reservoir in Maharashtra to test it under Indian conditions.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 2nd India–European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Prosperity Summit, reinforcing their partnership in technology, innovation and clean energy.
Floating solar pilot at Mulshi
The two companies will set up a ~300 kWp floating solar pilot at Tata Power’s Mulshi reservoir in Maharashtra. It is meant to show how Ocean Sun’s system holds up in Indian conditions, covering performance, reliability, cost and scalability. It should also give Tata Power practical data ahead of any wider rollout.
How membrane-based floating solar works
Most floating solar plants sit on linked pontoons. Ocean Sun takes a different route: the panels are laid on a thin, flexible membrane that rests directly on the water.
The lighter build could make the system easier to transport and install, with less structure needed. Panels sitting close to the water may also run cooler and generate better. These are expected advantages for the pilot to check, not proven results.
What the pilot will measure
Tata Power plans to compare the system with conventional floating solar designs. The comparison covers power output, capacity utilisation factor (CUF), installation method and time, reliability, operations and maintenance needs, capital cost and overall commercial viability.
India’s floating solar potential
Estimates by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) put India’s floating solar potential at over 102 GWP. Floating plants can add to ground-mounted and rooftop solar while using water bodies instead of land, and may also cut water evaporation. Pilots like Mulshi are meant to build the technical and commercial case for scaling up.
India–EFTA summit
The agreement was signed at the 2nd India–EFTA Prosperity Summit, which brought together stakeholders from India and the European Free Trade Association countries. India’s Ministry of Commerce & Industry and Invest India supported the engagement with EFTA on investment and technology collaboration.
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