Goa's Ambitious Floating Solar Plan: Rs 1,300 Cr Investment

• SJVN Green Energy Ltd (SGEL) plans to invest over Rs 1,300 crore in floating solar projects in Goa, aiming to increase solar power generation, conserve water, create jobs, and achieve the state's net-zero target.

Government-owned SJVN Green Energy Ltd (SGEL) has proposed investing over Rs 1,300 crore in four floating solar projects in Goa. The projects would be installed on the Selaulim, Amthanem, Anjunem, and Chapoli dams, with a total power generation capacity of 190 MW. The state would acquire the power generated at a rate of Rs 3.8 to Rs 4.3 per kilowatt-hour. The projects aim to increase solar power generation, conserve water through reduced evaporation, create jobs in rural communities, and maintain the temperature of the solar panels for enhanced generation.

In addition, SGEL has partnered with Norwegian consultant M/s Ocean Sun for a 1 to 2 MW membrane-based floating pilot project at two sites – the breakwater of the Mormugao Port Authority's port site and downstream in the Mandovi river. Goa, a small state with limited space for solar projects, aims to achieve its net-zero target by the end of the decade and has plans for the development of 300 MW of solar projects, including installations on government buildings and other facilities. GEDA has also invited bids for a 2.25 MW solar project at Mormugao Port.

What are the proposed floating solar projects in Goa and their objectives?

• SJVN Green Energy Ltd (SGEL) has proposed investing over Rs 1,300 crore in four floating solar projects in Goa.
• The proposed projects will be installed on the Selaulim, Amthanem, Anjunem, and Chapoli dams.
• The total power generation capacity of these projects will be 190 MW.
• The state of Goa will acquire the power generated at a rate of Rs 3.8 to Rs 4.3 per kilowatt-hour.
  
• The main objectives of these projects are to increase solar power generation, conserve water through reduced evaporation, create jobs in rural communities, and maintain the temperature of the solar panels for enhanced generation.
• SGEL has partnered with Norwegian consultant M/s Ocean Sun for a 1 to 2 MW membrane-based floating pilot project.
• The pilot project will be implemented at two sites - the breakwater of the Mormugao Port Authority's port site and downstream in the Mandovi river.
• Goa aims to achieve its net-zero target by the end of the decade and has plans for the development of 300 MW of solar projects.
• These solar projects will include installations on government buildings and other facilities.
• The Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) has also invited bids for a 2.25 MW solar project at Mormugao Port.