Minor Irrigation and Science and Technology Minister N S Boseraju has directed officials to examine a feasibility report submitted by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) on setting up floating solar power plants on lakes and reservoirs and to prepare a final blueprint for implementation without delay. The directive followed a meeting at Vikas Soudha attended by senior officers including the Secretary of the Minor Irrigation Department, the Managing Director of Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) and the Managing Director of Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL). The meeting involved an extensive review of the report and discussion of practical steps for pilot and wider deployment.

After more than six months of in depth analysis, engineers at BHEL prepared the feasibility study that recommends the establishment of a pilot floating solar unit at Somambudi Agrahara lake in Kolar district. The study indicates strong potential for generating up to 100 megawatts (MW) of power through such installations and maps suitable water bodies and technical considerations for anchoring, grid connectivity and maintenance. Officials noted that the pilot would serve to validate designs and operational protocols before scaling to larger sites across the state.

Minister Boseraju highlighted that hundreds of lift irrigation projects under the Minor Irrigation Department consume substantial amounts of electricity, imposing a heavy financial burden on departmental budgets and on the operation of the schemes. Against this backdrop, officials assessed that integrating floating solar installations with reservoirs and lift systems could reduce dependence on conventional supply, lower recurring energy expenses and advance state renewable energy targets. Technical re examination was requested to ensure that design choices, performance projections and procurement models align with existing infrastructure and budgetary constraints.

The minister instructed the Secretary of the Minor Irrigation Department, the Managing Director of BESCOM and the Managing Director of KREDL to develop next stage outlines, produce firm recommendations and submit final decisions within stipulated timelines. The meeting was attended by Minor Irrigation Secretary B K Pavitra, BESCOM Managing Director Shivashankar and KREDL Managing Director Rudrappaiah, to coordinate technical, financial and operational assessments.