Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri Shripad Naik on Friday inaugurated two grid-connected solar power projects at the Bambolim and Agassaim water pumping stations of the Drinking Water Department, Government of Goa.
The projects comprise an 80 kW on-grid solar power plant at Bambolim and a 90 kW on-grid solar power plant at Agassaim. The installations have been supported under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA).
The two solar plants are expected to generate around 2.60 lakh units of clean electricity annually, subject to actual solar generation and site conditions. The shift to solar power is estimated to save the Drinking Water Department more than ₹18 lakh every year by reducing dependence on conventional electricity.
The projects are also expected to offset around 140 to 190 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, depending on the applicable grid emission factor.
Speaking at the post-inauguration programme, Shripad Naik said the projects represented more than the installation of solar power systems, describing them as a step towards sustainable development, clean energy and responsible governance.
He said the initiative demonstrated how renewable energy could be integrated with essential public infrastructure while delivering both economic and environmental benefits. Naik also appreciated IREDA for supporting the projects through its CSR programme and expressed hope that similar initiatives would be undertaken across Goa and the country.
Highlighting Goa’s potential for renewable energy, the minister said the state’s abundant sunlight, suitable rooftops, government infrastructure and growing public awareness could help accelerate solar adoption in public buildings, water supply facilities, educational institutions, healthcare facilities and residential communities.
Naik urged government departments, local bodies, institutions and private stakeholders to identify more opportunities for solarisation and called for a broader solarisation movement across Goa.
The programme was attended by St Cruz MLA Rudolf Fernandes, Goa State Minorities Finance Development Corporation Chairman Francisco Silveira, Goa Medical College Medical Superintendent Dr Rajesh Patil, representatives of IREDA, Drinking Water Department Chief Engineer V. J. Bhende, Electricity Department Chief Engineer Stephan Fernandes, GEDA Managing Director Gaurish Shankhwalkar and other officials.
