Goa has the potential to generate 4000 MW of renewable energy to meet its demand for power through various sources, the draft plan for 100% renewable energy roadmap has stated. 3000 MW through solar rooftop plants, 880 MW through ground mounted, 180 MW through floating solar arrays, 76 MW through tidal and 49 MW through biomass plants is what the document envisages. Considering Goa’s growth trend and the options of increased dependency of the transport and tourism sector on electrical power it is analysed that the state may have an average year on year load growth of 4.83% till 2050. Currently Goa has very little generation of it’s own (10%) and is dependent on central generating stations, of which almost nil is accounted for by renewable energy. Considering Goa has a solar energy potential of 880 MW and a large number of sunny days, the government should immediately tap into that potential to set up rooftop plants, floating power plants can subsequently be installed on our dam reservoirs and irrigation water canals which would also help in preventing evaporation losses. Time to get Atmanirbhar for our energy needs, the makings are all there.
