Assessment of Floating Solar Photovoltaic Feasibility on a Semi-Arid Reservoir: A Case Study of Maudaha Dam, Bundelkhand, India

This paper presents a detailed technical, environmental, and socio-economic feasibility analysis of a floating solar photovoltaic (FSPV) installation on the Maudaha Dam reservoir in Uttar Pradesh, India. Leveraging a comprehensive dataset compiled by the Remote Sensing Applications Centre - Uttar Pradesh (RSAC-UP) 1 and drawing upon available remotely sensed data and GIS Mapping reports, this study validates the Maudaha Dam as a representative model for FSPV deployment in water-stressed, high-insolation regions. The methodology utilizes a decade of satellite imagery Sentinal-2 to determine the minimum submergence area, providing a robust foundation for long-term project viability.1 The analysis confirms a conservative potential installed capacity of approximately 9.9 MW and an estimated annual energy generation of approximately 40 GWh, which can be seamlessly integrated into the local grid via the nearby 132kV Rath substation, located 14.64 km away.1 The project's co-benefits, including significant water conservation through reduced evaporation and the preservation of agricultural land, are quantitatively and qualitatively assessed.1 Findings suggest that FSPV projects on dams like Maudaha can serve as a dual- purpose solution, simultaneously addressing regional energy deficits and bolstering water security, thereby contributing to sustainable development in the Bundelkhand region.