Full Breakdown
Tata Power and Norway’s Ocean Sun Begin India’s First Membrane-Based Floating Solar Pilot
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Core Event: Launch of a 300 kW Membrane Floating Solar Test at Mulshi Reservoir
On October 7, 2026, Tata Power announced a partnership with Norway-based Ocean Sun to install a 300 kWp floating-solar pilot on the Mulshi reservoir in Maharashtra. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 2nd India-EFTA Prosperity Summit. The test will compare Ocean Sun’s thin, hydro-elastic membrane system with conventional pontoon-based floating PV across energy yield, capacity-utilisation factor, installation speed, reliability, O&M requirements, capex and commercial viability.
Background & Context: India’s Floating-Solar Landscape
Floating solar eases land-use pressure for India’s expanding renewable portfolio. The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) estimates the country’s floating-solar potential at more than 102 GWp. The government’s Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY) targets 5 GW of floating solar with battery storage under a US$531.7 million (INR7 billion) scheme. Execution will depend on transmission readiness, bankability and regulatory coordination, according to Gaurav Upadhyay, energy specialist at IEEFA.
Data & Statistics
- Pilot size: 300 kWp at Mulshi reservoir.
- Floating-solar potential: > 102 GWp (NISE).
- Tata Power’s portfolio: > 26 GW total operational/under-construction capacity, including ~ 17.7 GW of clean-energy assets; 4.9 GW integrated solar cell and module manufacturing capacity.
- PM-SSY target: 5 GW floating solar with co-located BESS, funded by a INR7 billion program.
- Market reaction: Tata Power shares fell to a 52-week low of INR338.40 in early trade the day after the announcement, down 1.74 % from INR345.15.
Official Statements & Responses
- Ocean Sun CEO Kristian Tørvold said India is an attractive but complex floating-solar market and that Tata Power’s local expertise is essential for the collaboration.
- Gaurav Upadhyay (IEEFA) noted that PM-SSY’s success will hinge more on execution factors than on the 5 GW headline.
- Tata Power’s spokesperson said the pilot will generate data to assess whether the membrane design can be scaled cost-effectively across India’s water bodies.
Why It Matters: Potential Impacts on India’s Renewable Expansion
If the membrane system proves viable, it could reduce structural material needs, simplify transport and installation, and provide a cooling effect that boosts generation efficiency. These advantages may accelerate floating-solar roll-out, helping India meet renewable-energy goals while conserving land. Co-located BESS under PM-SSY could further enhance grid stability by storing solar output for peak-demand periods.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Tata Power brings the experience, capabilities and market understanding required to navigate that complexity.” — Kristian Tørvold, CEO, Ocean Sun
What’s Next: Upcoming Industry Forum
Floating solar and energy storage will be discussed at the Renewable Energy India (REI) Expo, co-located with the Energy Storage Summit India (ESS India), scheduled for October 24, 2026 in Greater Noida.