Floatovoltaic Microgrids: New Possibilities of Decentralizing Water - Energy Sector in India

Abstract

The uniqueness of India’s high population density, low electricity consumption- poised for rapid growth, acute water scarcity differentiate it with the rest of the world and is making it tough for achieving sustainability and energy security. At present India is running the world’s largest renewable energy addition program to reduce dependency on non-renewable fuel but a similar scale of program is yet to be started for water sustainability and security. With over a billion still living in rural areas, the situation is worst for the availability of quality electricity and water.

Fortunately, nature has provided abundant natural water reservoirs and resources for rural sustainability, which if maintained, preserved, and protected is sufficient for decentralized water availability.

This article examines the possibilities of floating photovoltaic solar plants for decentralize electricity generation while protecting natural water resources and designing a novel floatovoltaic microgrid in natural water bodies.

Keywords: Floatovoltaics, Solar photovoltaic, Microgrid, Electricity, Solar energy, Water