Kerala’s Three-Tier Mechanism for Implementing Floating Solar Projects
Kerala is advancing clean energy through its ambitious floating solar power programme, targeting 3 GW capacity by utilising reservoirs, backwaters, and abandoned mining pits. To effectively implement these projects, the state has established a comprehensive three-tier institutional mechanism ensuring coordinated planning, clearances, and oversight at multiple levels.
1. High-Level Committee (HLC)
Composition: Chaired by the Chief Secretary of Kerala.
Role: The HLC sets overall policy direction, coordinates inter-departmental activities, resolves high-level issues, and approves key project strategies and guidelines.
Function: Acts as the apex body overseeing floating solar initiatives, ensuring alignment with state energy goals and policy frameworks.
2. District Level Committee (DLC)
Composition: Headed by respective District Collectors and includes officers/nominees from Agriculture, Local Self Government, Revenue, Fisheries, Forests, Water Resources/Irrigation, Maritime Board, and other relevant departments.
Role: Identification and maintenance of site ‘banks’ comprising government and private water bodies suitable for floating solar installations.
Function: Expedites site clearances, evaluates project proposals within districts, facilitates coordination among local stakeholders, and supports timely implementation.
3. Empowered Committee
Composition: Chaired by the Secretary of the Power Department with members including Chairman & Managing Director of Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEBL), Chief Electrical Inspector, Directors of Transmission, Distribution, and System Operations at KSEBL, and CEO of the Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (ANERT) as convenor.
Role: Approves project feasibility, evaluates techno-commercial proposals, finalizes lease/rent structures, and ensures compliance with regulations.
Function: Acts as an empowered decision-making body to fast-track project approvals and address operational matters.
Nodal Agency: ANERT
The Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (ANERT) serves as the nodal coordinating agency for the floating solar programme. It manages the single-window clearance system, facilitates application processing, tracks project progress, and liaises between committees and developers.
Implementation Process
Three Application Modes:
Government-initiated projects on state-identified sites via tenders or Expression of Interest (EOI).
Developer-proposed projects on private water bodies through the single-window portal.
Proposals using land bank sites created and published by District Level Committees for faster clearances.
Lease & Revenue Sharing: Clear frameworks govern lease rentals paid by developers to site owners, determined by relevant committees to ensure public benefit.
Right of First Refusal: KSEBL and Water Resources Department have priority rights to consume power generated within their reservoirs or controlled water bodies.
Integration & Storage: Developers are encouraged to integrate energy storage up to 50% of generated capacity and explore complementarity with pumped storage and green hydrogen production.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Kerala’s Three-Tier Floating Solar Implementation Mechanism
Q1: What is the three-tier mechanism for floating solar projects in Kerala?
It consists of a High-Level Committee (state policy oversight), District Level Committees (local site identification and clearance), and an Empowered Committee (approval and operational decisions), coordinated by ANERT.
Q2: Who chairs the High-Level Committee?
The Chief Secretary of Kerala chairs the High-Level Committee.
Q3: What are the responsibilities of District Level Committees?
They maintain site banks, facilitate project approvals at the district level, and coordinate among local departments.
Q4: What role does ANERT play in the mechanism?
ANERT is the nodal agency managing coordination, single-window clearances, developer applications, and project monitoring.
Q5: How can developers apply for floating solar projects?
Developers can apply through government tenders, propose projects on private water bodies, or opt for land bank sites listed by District Committees via the single-window portal.
Q6: What is the policy about leasing and revenue sharing?
Lease rentals and revenue sharing terms are fixed by empowered committees to ensure fair public returns on water bodies used for projects.
Published on: August 3, 2025
Published by: PAVAN
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