Maharashtra's Ambitious Leap: 100 MW Floating Solar Project at Tansa and Modak Sagar Dams

• Published
• By Anupam Nath

Introduction

In a significant push toward renewable energy and sustainable development, Maharashtra has taken a bold step with the announcement of a 100 MW grid-connected floating solar photovoltaic (PV) project. The Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Ltd. (MAHAPREIT), a key state entity promoting green initiatives, has issued a tender for this innovative project to be developed on the reservoirs of Tansa Dam and/or Modak Sagar Dam. These dams, vital water sources supplying Mumbai and surrounding areas through the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), are now set to double as platforms for clean energy generation. With bids due by February 12, 2026, and a ceiling tariff of ₹4.18 per kWh (approximately $0.046), this initiative highlights India's growing focus on floating solar technology to address land scarcity while advancing climate goals.

The Tender Details and Timeline

The Request for Selection (RfS) calls for experienced developers to handle the full scope: engineering, financing, construction, ownership, operation, and maintenance (O&M) of the floating solar plant, including evacuation infrastructure up to the interconnection point. Bidders need to submit an earnest money deposit of ₹54.6 million and a tender fee of ₹29,500, with the successful developer providing a performance bank guarantee of ₹546 million. The project mandates a minimum capacity utilization factor of 25% (with ±5% variation) and will supply power for 25 years to MAHAPREIT or BMC. Site visits were permitted until January 22, 2026, with online bid submission starting January 27, 2026. The project must be commissioned within 18 months of the power purchase agreement or site handover, allowing partial commissioning starting at 25 MW and then in 10 MW increments.

Why Floating Solar? Key Advantages

Floating solar panels, installed on water bodies instead of land, offer multiple benefits tailored to India's context. First, they optimize space usage by utilizing unused reservoir surfaces, preserving valuable agricultural and urban land amid rapid urbanization. In land-constrained states like Maharashtra, this is crucial. Second, the water provides natural cooling, reducing panel temperatures and boosting efficiency—studies show up to 15% higher energy output compared to ground-mounted systems. Third, the panels shade the water surface, significantly cutting evaporation rates (up to 30% in arid areas), which helps conserve water in drought-prone regions. Additionally, floating solar minimizes land conflicts, avoids deforestation, and reduces soil erosion, making it environmentally friendlier in many ways.

Potential Challenges and Mitigation

Despite the advantages, floating solar faces hurdles. Higher upfront costs arise from specialized mooring systems, floating platforms, and underwater cabling. Maintenance can be complex due to water access and weather exposure. Environmental concerns include potential impacts on aquatic ecosystems, such as altered water quality or effects on fish and birds, though research indicates minimal long-term harm if designed properly. In India, challenges like supply chain for floating-specific components and skilled labor exist, but growing domestic manufacturing and global experience are addressing these. The tender requires only Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) components, ensuring quality and supporting local industry.

Broader Impact on Maharashtra and India

This 100 MW project aligns with India's ambitious renewable targets, including 500 GW by 2030, where floating solar could play a pivotal role. With thousands of reservoirs nationwide, even partial coverage could generate massive clean power. For Maharashtra, it means reliable, low-cost electricity (at ₹4.18/kWh ceiling) for Mumbai's growing needs, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. It supports BMC's water management by curbing evaporation in key reservoirs like Tansa and Modak Sagar, which supply drinking water to millions. Economically, it creates jobs in construction, O&M, and manufacturing while attracting investment in green tech.

Eligibility and Technical Requirements

To ensure capability, bidders must demonstrate strong experience: at least 25 MW cumulative floating solar commissioned in the last seven years (including one 10 MW single-site project) or one 15 MW project on a single water body, all operational for 12+ months. Additional criteria include five years of solar module manufacturing, 200 MW grid-connected solar in India over five years (with one 50 MW project), and 100 MW O&M experience (including 10 MW floating). A minimum net worth of ₹50 million per MW (based on recent fiscal years) is required. These strict qualifications aim to select reliable developers for long-term success.

Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future

MAHAPREIT's tender is more than a project—it's a model for integrating renewables with water resources. As India accelerates its energy transition, floating solar emerges as an innovative solution blending power generation with conservation. Success here could inspire similar projects across reservoirs, contributing to energy security, water sustainability, and net-zero ambitions. With competitive tariffs and proven technology, Maharashtra is positioning itself as a leader in floating solar, paving the way for cleaner, greener development.