Founded in 2023, HUSE Energy is positioning itself in the floating solar market through an integrated model combining floater manufacturing, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), and storage solutions. Renewable Watch recently interviewed Brijesh Sujan, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, HUSE Energy, to discuss its technology approach, project economics, localisation strategy, sector challenges and growth plans. Edited excerpts from the interview…
Could you briefly outline HUSE Energy’s current business focus?
Our core focus is floating solar, where we combine floater manufacturing with end-to-end EPC services. This allows us to integrate platform design and project execution from the outset. We see opportunities across industrial ponds, lakes and large reservoirs, as well as coastal and offshore applications. Alongside floating solar, we are gradually expanding into battery energy storage and integrated solar-plus-storage solutions. The Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PMSSY) is closely aligned with this direction, since it supports floating solar projects with co-located storage.
What gaps in existing floating solar solutions shaped your technology?
Our benchmarking highlighted gaps in platform stability, buoyancy, energy generation performance, maintenance access and operational efficiency. Floating solar cannot be treated as a standard product that can simply be deployed on any waterbody. Designs must account for site-specific variations such as water depth variations, wind and wave exposure, reservoir bed conditions, shoreline access and maintenance requirements. We have therefore developed an adaptable modular architecture comprising main floats, walkway floats and equipment floats. The platform can support a 2P module configuration with tilt angles of up to 17 degrees, subject to site-specific engineering. Our engineering process considers the interaction between the floating structure, module support system, anchoring and mooring arrangement under different environmental and operating loads. Stability and buoyancy are assessed alongside module positioning and energy generation requirements.
What determines EPC costs and execution timelines for floating solar projects?
Costs are highly site-specific. Apart from modules and electrical equipment, floating structures, anchoring and mooring systems, transportation and grid connectivity can affect project costs. Water depth, reservoir bed conditions and seasonal water level variations influence anchoring requirements, while shoreline access and assembly and launching space affect installation productivity. Execution timelines depend on initial surveys, approvals, equipment availability, weather windows and grid readiness. As the market expands, localisation, standardisation and modularisation, larger procurement volumes, better transport and assembly methods, and more reliable tender stage site information should reduce costs. However, the industry should focus on life cycle performance rather than simply achieving the lowest EPC price.
How are you approaching localisation?
For us, localisation extends beyond manufacturing floats domestically. It includes engineering knowledge, tooling, quality-control processes, supplier and installation capabilities suited to Indian conditions. Floats, connectors, supporting structures, walkways, equipment platforms, anchoring and mooring systems need to operate as a coordinated system. As volumes grow, we intend to deepen domestic capabilities and improve supplier consistency.
What are the biggest barriers to scaling floating solar in India?
The main challenge is converting theoretical water surface potential into technically feasible and commercially bankable projects. Developers need clarity on water use rights, reservoir operations, seasonal water levels, environmental requirements, grid connectivity, and the interests of irrigation authorities, fisheries, industries and local communities. Reliable bathymetric, hydrographic and environmental data are also essential. The segment also needs consistent technical standards, reliable component quality, experienced execution partners, and long-term operating data that lenders and insurers can evaluate confidently. The PMSSY is a timely intervention because it supports project deployment as well as feasibility studies. Its impact, however, will depend on transparent site allocation, coordinated approvals, bankable site studies, appropriate qualification criteria and timely grid connectivity.
What are your growth priorities?
By 2030, we are targeting over 500 MW of installed floating solar capacity and around 100 MWh of integrated energy storage. Our technology priorities include improving structural durability, simplifying transportation and installation, enabling safer maintenance and improving performance across different reservoir conditions. We also see potential in digital monitoring and structural health intelligence to improve asset performance and reliability throughout the project life cycle.
