PORVORIM: The State government is exploring possibility of setting up its own solar power plant in Goa to meet the power requirement, especially during the summer season. Government has, however, ruled out chances of coal based power plant.
Power Minister Nilesh Cabral informed the Assembly on Thursday that in absence of its own power plant, the State depends on power purchase from two Grids, namely Western Region (WR) & Southern Region (SR).
The firm share allocation from Central Generating Station in WR Grid is 391.95 Mega Watt (MW) and in SR Grid is 99.96 (MW).
Cabral said during break downs/annual overhauling of any of the generators, Goa has share allocation, there is drop in power allocation to Goa. “Also, during summer season, the power demand in Goa rises upto 650MW, during such times there is deficiency of power; which is met through other arrangements,” he said.
Responding to the question tabled by MLA Francis Silveira, Cabral said although there is no hydro potential in Goa, there is sufficient potential for solar-based generation which is being explored.
“At the same time, coal based plant would not be welcomed considering environment and pollution constraints,” he said.
Minister said the Government had notified the Goa State Solar Policy on December 21, 2017 and the same was amended on February 7, 2019 and implementation has commenced to generate solar power in the State.
