Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Panaji is set to be transformed into a 100% renewable energy city under the Solar City initiative of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
New and Renewable Energy Minister Ramkrishna Dhavlikar informed that the Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) has already prepared the Solar City Master Plan for Panaji at a cost of ₹3.5 lakh.
The MNRE has sanctioned and released ₹3.29 lakh to GEDA for preparing the plan, while no separate budgetary provision has been made by the State government.
Dhavlikar further stated that the German agency GIZ has conducted a detailed assessment for transforming Panaji into a 100% renewable energy city.
“The study estimated a solar potential of 20.73 MWp in the city — 7.23 MWp on residential buildings, 6.87 MWp on commercial establishments, 2.64 MWp on government buildings, and 3.99 MWp in open spaces,” he added
Additionally, 10 locations have been identified for installing solar trees within Panaji, while a Renewable Energy Action Plan has also been prepared.
A workshop involving various stakeholders was held in August 2023 to discuss rooftop solar installations and solar trees.
The minister confirmed that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been submitted, and the initiative marks a major step towards reducing Panaji’s dependence on conventional power to meet its current demand of 128 MW.
