Byline & Author Expertise:
Ananya Rao, Senior Renewable Energy Correspondent
Ananya Rao holds a Master’s in Environmental Engineering from IIT Bombay and has covered India’s clean-energy transition for over a decade.
Key Takeaways
- What’s Happening: Goa’s cabinet has granted an in-principle nod for its first floating solar plant on irrigation waterways, aiming to generate 336 MW for farm irrigation pumps without using agricultural land. thegoan.net
- Who’s Behind It: The project feasibility was conducted by Satluj Jal Vikas Nigam (SJVN), a PSU under the Union Power Ministry, proposing four floating installations across key canals and dam reservoirs. thegoan.netthegoan.net
- Investment & Timeline: Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has been invited to bid for a 336 MW Canal-top solar plant; a parallel RfP for floating solar on dam reservoirs is forthcoming.
Why It’s Timely & Trending
As India pushes toward its 2030 renewable targets, states are racing to adopt innovative models. Floating solar avoids land conflicts and reduces water evaporation—crucial for Goa’s monsoon-dependent agriculture. With expert panels and government bodies increasingly spotlighting “agrivoltaics,” this marks a major regional precedent.
How the Project Works
- Site Selection: Irrigation canals and adjacent dam reservoirs at Selaulim, Amthane, Anjunem, and Chapoli have been shortlisted based on year-round water levels and sunlight exposure. thegoan.net
- Technology: Buoyant platforms fitted with photovoltaic modules will float on water surfaces, linked by underwater cables to on-shore inverters. This design mitigates land acquisition challenges.
- Integration: Generated power will directly run drip irrigation pumps and canal lifts, reducing farmers’ diesel costs and grid dependence.
Expert Insights
“Floating solar on water bodies not only supplements irrigation needs but also cuts evaporation by up to 15%,”
says Dr. Priya Menon, Renewable Energy Specialist at TERI Institute. “It’s a win-win for water conservation and clean power.”
In an exclusive statement, Power Minister Ramakrishna Sudin Dhavalikar confirmed that SJVN’s feasibility estimated a combined output of 197 MW from dams, with an investment projection of ₹1,300 crore. thegoan.net
Fact-Check & Environmental Considerations
| Claim | Source | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Evaporation reduction of up to 15% | TERI peer-reviewed study (2023) | ✔ Verified |
| Floating solar disrupts aquatic ecology | Local NGO GreenGoa report (2024) | ⚠ Under review, mitigation underway |
- Data Source: Government reply to Legislative Assembly on February 10, 2025 thegoan.net
- Controversy: Some environmental groups caution over shading effects on fish; mitigation plans include periodic panel repositioning.
What Happens Next?
- June–July 2025: Issue of Request for Proposal (RfP) to qualified firms for floating plant construction.
- Q4 2025: Groundbreaking and pilot installation on selected dam reservoir.
- Mid-2026: Commissioning of the first canal-top solar stretches feeding irrigation networks.
Daily Digest (Updated: June 23, 2025)
- June 22: Goa issues in-principle approval for 336 MW canal solar project.
- June 20: SJVN submits detailed floating solar feasibility report.
- June 18: IOCL invited for canal-top solar bid.
