The Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) cleared a Rs 55 billion (Rs 55 bn) floating solar battery storage scheme and the proposal will be sent to the Union Cabinet for final approval. The committee, part of the Finance Ministry, approved the plan to accelerate renewable energy deployment and strengthen energy security. The approval reduces the outlay from the Rs 67 billion sought by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and asks the ministry to refine components of the incentive model. Officials signalled a faster roll out to mitigate supply uncertainty.

The scheme is designed to incentivise states and stakeholders to deploy floating solar panels integrated with battery storage systems on reservoirs and other water bodies. Floating solar projects are intended to ease pressure on land resources while improving generation efficiency through lower panel temperatures. Battery storage has been portrayed as a critical element to manage intermittency and to support a stable electricity supply. The model seeks to combine generation and storage to balance surplus output and peak demand.

The EFC approved an estimated expenditure of Rs 55 billion and instructed MNRE to fine tune financial and technical components before Cabinet consideration. The revised model will define incentives for project developers, state utilities and financing arrangements to mobilise private investment. The initiative aligns with the national clean energy targets and the objective of reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. Officials indicated that enhanced storage capacity would improve grid reliability and operational flexibility.

The move follows concerns over geopolitical tensions in West Asia that have underscored supply risks and prompted policy attention on domestic energy resilience. The scheme is part of broader measures to scale renewable capacity and to integrate storage solutions into India’s power system. Stakeholders will await Cabinet decision before deployment timelines are finalised. The government expects further consultations to refine implementation details.