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Chandigarh to Set Up North India’s Largest Floating Solar Plant

Chandigarh is set to strengthen its renewable energy leadership with the launch of a 4 MW floating solar power plant at Sector 39, expected to be North India’s largest floating solar installation. The project, spearheaded by the Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society (CREST), comes at an estimated cost of INR 24 crore and is scheduled for completion in FY 2025-26.

This initiative is part of the Union Territory’s broader goal of adding 8 MWp of solar capacity in the current fiscal. Chandigarh already operates three floating solar plants totaling 5 MWp, with another 3 MWp plant ready for energisation.

As of February 2024, the city boasts 89.689 MWp of installed solar capacity across 10,234 buildings, with a noteworthy achievement of having solarised all government buildings. These efforts contribute significantly to Chandigarh’s sustainability targets, with 52.852 kWp installed across government infrastructure alone.

Floating solar projects like this are especially beneficial in urban environments with limited land availability. Besides generating clean electricity, they also reduce water evaporation and enhance space efficiency, making them a dual-benefit solution for modern cities.

The Sector 39 floating solar plant underscores how cities like Chandigarh are integrating innovative renewable energy technologies to meet clean energy goals while preserving natural resources.