SECI Plans To Build Floating Solar With BESS Project In Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep, the island state in India, is exploring floating solar options to meet its energy requirements. One of the leading Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies (REIAs), Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), intends to develop a floating solar project on the island.

To give impetus to this goal, SECI recently released a Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) to set up the grid-connected floating solar project. The document mentioned, “Request for Selection (RfS) Document for Selection of Solar Power Developers for Setting up of Grid-Connected Floating Solar PV (FSPV) Projects with Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Lakshadweep under RESCO Mode Through Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding.”

The document mentioned in the scope of work, “The tender intends to select the developer for setting up Grid-Connected Floating Solar PV (FSPV) power projects for a cumulative capacity of 2.7 MW. The project would be carried out through an e-bidding process at two locations. The floating solar project would be constructed in the lagoons of the islands of Lakshadweep and would be located across two locations. These locations are namely, Agatti and Kavaratti. The project capacities are: Agatti Project Capacity of 0.95 MW (4.00 MW AC Solar PV, 2.5 MW/ 16 MWh BESS), and the Kavaratti project of 1.75 MW (5.00 MW AC Solar PV, 2.5 MW/ 16 MWh BESS).

BESS Project at Lakshadweep

Last year, in 2024 companies like Honeywell Automation India Limited (HAIL) commissioned a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for the Solar Energy Corporation of India’s (SECI) project in the Lakshadweep Islands. This marks India’s first on-grid solar project to incorporate BESS technology.

The Lakshadweep Islands project is a significant step toward the decarbonization of energy supplies for these remote islands. Honeywell’s BESS technology, which includes a range of solutions for storing and distributing renewable energy, will be integrated into the micro-grid of the Kavaratti islands. This technology supports automation, safety, and efficiency, enabling renewable power to work alongside the national grid.

Last year, the island state also saw the addition of its first on-grid solar project with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the project in Lakshadweep. This initiative spans the islands of Kavaratti and Agatti, boasting a combined solar capacity of 1.7 MW and a sophisticated 1.4 MWh battery storage facility at Kavaratti.