Panaji: State govt has decided to set up 300MW solar PV power projects with 150MW/900 MWh energy storage systems (ESS) at an estimated cost of over Rs 1300 crore. A total of 650 acres is required to set up the power plant in the state, and this is likely to be in Canacona taluka.The solar plant will be set up on a build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) basis anywhere in Goa and connected to the state transmission utility (STU) network through tariff-based competitive bidding.In line with Union govt’s target of installing 500GW of renewable power capacity in India by 2030, state govt set up various solar projects in different parts of Goa.The Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) will enter into a power purchase agreement (PPA) on behalf of the distribution companies with the successful bidder selected for the purchase of solar power for a period of 25 years.A senior govt official said that the solar power developer (SPD) shall be responsible for planning, design, construction, ownership, operation, and transfer of the entire evacuation system, including, but not limited to, transmission lines, construction of a new pooling substation, and upgradation of the existing grid substation, as required for interconnection of the project with the grid.The SPD shall obtain all necessary approvals and permissions from the concerned authorities for grid connectivity and evacuation.State govt will soon introduce the Goa state renewable energy policy to accelerate the adoption of clean energy alternatives and decarbonise the energy sector. This includes both grid-based clean electricity consumption and the reduction of fossil fuel-based consumption. Govt aims to encourage more private sector investment in the field of green energy.The policy will focus on harnessing the clean energy potential of the state and making the best use of the available resources by facilitating the development of green energy projects in the state. It aims to attract investment in the clean energy sector, create job opportunities, develop the state economy, and provide access to reliable and sustainable solar energy in Goa.State govt wants a conducive environment for private sector investment in the field of solar energy generation and storage. It seeks to encourage private sector participation and provide investment opportunities for the deployment of solar energy.
