Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: After keeping the ambitious ₹1,300-crore floating solar energy project on hold for over a year and a half, the Goa government has now decided to scrap the plan to generate nearly 197 megawatts (MW) of renewable power across four major dams.
The project, proposed by SJVN Green Energy Ltd (SGEL) — a Central government-owned enterprise — aimed to install floating solar plants at the Selaulim, Amthanem, Anjunem, and Chapoli reservoirs, in partnership with the Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA). However, the Water Resources Department (WRD) has refused to grant approval, citing concerns about potential contamination of drinking water sources.
WRD Minister Subhash Shirodkar confirmed that his department had turned down the proposal after assessing possible environmental and public health implications. “We cannot take any risk with drinking water. Our reservoirs supply water to the people, and safety comes first,” Shirodkar said, adding that Goa would not follow other States’ examples if there were doubts about public safety.
The WRD highlighted multiple issues linked to such installations — including reduced sunlight penetration, changes to the thermal balance of reservoirs, and potential surface heating and contamination risks. Officials noted that the placement of large solar panel arrays could disrupt natural processes within the dams and lower water quality.
The project had initially been viewed as a sustainable solution to Goa’s land constraints, as floating solar technology is already in use in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and other States. In fact, GEDA officials noted that Maharashtra had successfully installed floating solar systems even on drinking water reservoirs.
To address safety concerns, SGEL had proposed using high-density polyethylene (HDPE) floaters, a material considered inert, non-toxic, and UV-resistant, designed to prevent any leaching of harmful substances. The company also committed to using only 20% of the water surface area, leaving the majority of the reservoir untouched.
Despite these assurances, the State government has chosen to err on the side of caution, effectively halting one of its largest planned renewable energy investments. Officials said the decision underscores Goa’s priority on water security and public health, even as the State explores other avenues for expanding its green energy portfolio.
