Goemkarponn desk
PORVORIM: Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar today said that all state government buildings in Panaji city will be solar-powered by March 2024.
“We are ambitious to reach 150 megawatts of solar power by 2030. All state government buildings in Panaji city will be solar-powered by March 2024. Work will begin this financial year and would be completed by March 2024,” said Dhavalikar.
He further said that 76 government buildings in Panaji will have solar panel installations, and the tender will be done by April end.
“This is a pilot project for us. After completion of the pilot project, we will definitely go to every place where there is a huge government building,” Dhavalikar said.
The Power Ministry is also processing a proposal which involves setting up solar panels at the expansive state Assembly complex, but the approval of the Speaker, as well as members of the House, was necessary to kickstart the project, the Power Minister said.
He said that the Ministry of Renewable Energy and GEDA has decided to make Panaji a solar city. For this, we will need to generate around 80 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy power.
“For this, we need the support of the people to adopt rooftop solar projects along with solar projects on government buildings,” he added.
Earlier, the state had said it was examining the possibility of setting up floating solar panels in abandoned mining pits as part of a push to ensure 50% power by renewable energy by 2030 and 100% by 2050.
However, the uptake of rooftop solar installations has been low despite a 50% subsidy being offered.
“To install solar panels in the state Assembly, we need approval from the Assembly, especially the Speaker; until then, we cannot take it up. If the Assembly approves, we will take that up, too,” he said.
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