Bengaluru: Two lakes in Yelahanka to host floating solar power project

In a first-of-its-kind step, Bengaluru’s lakes will soon generate clean energy through floating solar panels, aiming to produce 20 MW while conserving water.

Bengaluru is set to harness its water bodies for green energy. The Doddabommasandra and Rachenahalli lakes in the Yelahanka zone have been earmarked for a floating photovoltaic (FPV) power project, a move that could reshape how urban lakes are utilized in Karnataka.

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According to Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, the project, approved by the Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority (KTCDA), will be executed by the Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL). Around 10 percent of the water surface at each lake will be used to install solar panels, expected to produce nearly 20 megawatts of power.

Shivakumar explained that the electricity generated can be channeled towards lake upkeep, powering lamp posts, and other civic needs. Beyond energy generation, the FPVs will also act as a protective layer, reducing water evaporation and improving lake sustainability.

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The proposal came up in the Assembly after Shivajinagar MLA Rizwan Arshad sought clarity on the city lakes shortlisted for solar projects. While the Deputy CM confirmed the initiative, he also noted that the project is still in its early planning stage and no separate budget allocation has been made by the state government or the BBMP.

Officials added that the project will serve as a pilot model, and based on its success, similar floating solar units may be replicated across other lakes in Karnataka.

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