Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Feb 25: In a major push towards clean energy, the Goa government has decided to establish a 300MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power project along with a 150MW/900 MWh Energy Storage System (ESS) at an estimated cost of over Rs 1,300 crore.
The project will require around 650 acres of land and is likely to come up in Canacona taluka. The solar plant will be implemented on a build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) basis anywhere in the state and will be connected to the State Transmission Utility (STU) network through tariff-based competitive bidding.
In line with the Union government’s target of installing 500GW of renewable energy capacity in India by 2030, the state has been steadily promoting solar projects across Goa. The Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) will enter into a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) on behalf of distribution companies with the successful bidder for procurement of solar power.
A senior government official stated that the selected Solar Power Developer (SPD) will be responsible for the planning, design, construction, ownership, operation, and eventual transfer of the entire evacuation infrastructure. This includes the construction of transmission lines, development of a new pooling substation, and upgradation of the existing grid substation to facilitate seamless grid connectivity.
The developer will also be required to obtain all necessary statutory approvals and permissions from relevant authorities for grid connectivity and evacuation.
Meanwhile, the state government is set to introduce the Goa State Renewable Energy Policy aimed at accelerating the adoption of clean energy alternatives and decarbonising the energy sector. The policy will focus on both grid-based clean electricity consumption and reduction in fossil fuel dependency.
The upcoming policy seeks to harness the state’s renewable energy potential, attract private investment, create employment opportunities, and ensure access to reliable and sustainable solar energy. The government also intends to create a conducive environment for private sector participation in solar energy generation and storage, positioning Goa as a progressive player in the green energy transition.