PANAJI
Goa government’s ambitious plan to generate around 197 megawatt (MW) of renewable energy through solar project on dam has hit a major roadblock with the Water Resources Department (WRD) holding back Rs 1,300 crore project claiming it’s not feasible for the State citing concern with regards to dam water contamination.
The Central government owned SJVN Green Energy Ltd (SGEL) in January, last year, had submitted a proposal to the State government to invest over Rs 1,300 crore to generate solar power by setting up four floating solar projects across dams –Selaulim, Amthanem, Anjunem and Chapoli.
SGEL along with Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) worked out the proposal and for the same, it also conducted preliminary hydrological investigation of the four reservoirs to determine detailed parameters for ascertaining suitable floating solar power potential.
Speaking to The Goan, WRD chief Pramod Badami confirmed that the government is yet to take the decision. “The file is sent back. There is nothing so far,” he said while refusing to comment as to why the proposal is been held up.
However, sources confirmed that the department has cited various reasons like impact on water surface, the solar panel array can block sunlight penetration into water bodies, disrupting the thermal gradient, possible contamination of water, etc. “According to the department, the project is not feasible for Goa as the dam water is the main source of drinking water to the people of Goa,” sources said.
As a result of the reduced sunlight, floating solar plants can also cause large areas of uneven surface heating, lowering reservoir turnover efficiencies, etc, sources said.
In order to ensure that there is no water contamination, the project proponent proposed that the floating solar panels use high-density polyethylene (HDPE) as floater material which is known for its inert and non-toxic properties, durability, ultra violet resistance and ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions. Moreover, the floaters are manufactured in such a way that minimises the leaching of any harmful substances into the water in the reservoir.
GEDA, apparently requested WRD to conduct an independent feasibility study, through an institute of national repute, to ascertain suitable potential and impact if any. However, the same was turned down by WRD.
With delays in land acquisitions or other challenges associated with land availability for ground-mounted solar panels, the Central government has turned towards aquatic systems to ride the new wave.
“The project proponent would be utilising only 20 per cent of the water surface and not the entire water surface. With limited land resources available, this is the best option to explore,” sources said.
Sources informed that the project is already approved by the Minister for New and Renewable Energy Ramakrishna Dhavalikar, who hopes that the project will help the State achieve its green energy target. According to the proposal, the State will have to purchase the power from PSU at Rs 3.8-4.3 per kWh.
As per the proposal, the total solar power capacity at Salaulim dam is 134.80MW, 27.60MW each at Anjunem and Chapoli dam and 7.23 MW at Amthanem dam.
SJVN Green Energy Ltd, is in the process of commissioning 15MW FSPV project at Nangal Dam Reservoir.
