Sun Aug 03 11:04:44 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a news article based on it:
**Summary:**
The government of Kerala, India, is implementing a three-tiered system to facilitate the development of floating solar power plants in water bodies throughout the state. This system, consisting of high-level, empowered, and district-level committees, aims to streamline site identification, land acquisition, approvals, and project monitoring. The initiative follows previously approved guidelines designed to leverage the state’s reservoirs, backwaters, and water-filled quarries for solar energy generation and complement the state’s Solar Energy Policy.
**News Article:**
**Kerala Streamlines Floating Solar Power Plant Development with New Three-Tier System**
*THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, INDIA – August 3, 2025* – The Kerala state government is taking proactive steps to accelerate the adoption of floating solar power technology by establishing a comprehensive three-tier system to manage the development of such plants across the state. The initiative aims to capitalize on Kerala’s abundant water resources, including reservoirs, backwaters, and even water-filled quarries, to generate clean energy.
According to a Power Department order issued on August 1st, the new framework will involve a high-level committee, an empowered committee, and district-level committees. These committees will share responsibilities related to site identification, creation of “land banks” of suitable locations, securing necessary clearances and approvals, and closely monitoring project progress.
The high-level committee, headed by the Chief Secretary, will focus on strategic decisions such as setting lease rates, allocating land, and attracting developers to the state. The committee includes key officials from Power, Finance, Water Resources, Forest, Environment, Agriculture, Fisheries, Local Self-Government, and Revenue departments, along with the CEO of the Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (Anert).
District-level committees, led by District Collectors, will be crucial in identifying and creating “land banks” of potential sites for floating solar projects. These committees are also empowered to propose suitable locations owned by government agencies or private entities.
The empowered committee, chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary (Power), will be responsible for the technical review of each project, ensuring the suitability of the chosen technology for specific regions. This committee will also play a role in identifying potential sites and monitoring the overall progress of the projects.
The move follows the State Cabinet’s approval of “Guidelines on Development of Floating Solar Power Plants” in February, which envisioned the creation of district-level site banks and a single-window system for efficient implementation. These guidelines are designed to complement the state’s Solar Energy Policy, maximizing the potential of Kerala’s water bodies for floating solar installations. The initiative could significantly contribute to Kerala’s renewable energy goals and promote sustainable development within the state.
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