Panaji: In a bid to address the fluctuation in power supply during peak load periods, the state government is exploring renewable energy storage technology, which will release power generated via solar plants back into the state’s power grid during peak hours. The state electricity department is working with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to see if such a project can augment power supply particularly for the industries, said power minister Nilesh Cabral.
In a virtual meeting with industry stakeholders, particularly Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Cabral stressed upon more solar power generation and assured local industries of reliable uninterrupted power supply.
GCCI, which organised the virtual meeting, requested Cabral to focus on adequate, reliable, affordable and consistent power supply in the state.
“The tourism sector is heavily dependant on quality power for operation, production, utilities and recreational facilities. Interruptions, fluctuations and power drops create a total disruption in this sector. Thus hoteliers are forced to depend on diesel generator sets, which are expensive to run,” said GCCI president Ralph De Sousa.
In January, the state government had approached the Union ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) to undertake a feasibility study and provide technical assistance to set up renewable power generation energy projects in the state. Goa requires approximately 540MW of power during the day time and 640MW during peak hours from 6pm to 11pm.
Speaking on behalf of the pharmaceutical sector, Dr Praveen Khullar requested the electricity department to permit momentary grid synchronisation which will reduce the power interruptions. Dr Khullar, who is the president of Goa Pharmaceutical Manufacturer’s Association, said that power fluctuations lead to production and financial losses.
Admitting that the power supply scenario in the state could be improved, Cabral said he had “big plans” to reform the electricity sector. The power minister also urged the industry to set up solar power generation units.
“The government is keen to provide reliable and affordable power supply to the state and adequate steps have already been taken in this regard,” said Cabral. He asked Goa’s private sector, particularly those from the manufacturing and tourism sector to submit ideas for the electricity department’s three year business plan.
In a virtual meeting with industry stakeholders, particularly Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Cabral stressed upon more solar power generation and assured local industries of reliable uninterrupted power supply.
GCCI, which organised the virtual meeting, requested Cabral to focus on adequate, reliable, affordable and consistent power supply in the state.
“The tourism sector is heavily dependant on quality power for operation, production, utilities and recreational facilities. Interruptions, fluctuations and power drops create a total disruption in this sector. Thus hoteliers are forced to depend on diesel generator sets, which are expensive to run,” said GCCI president Ralph De Sousa.
In January, the state government had approached the Union ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) to undertake a feasibility study and provide technical assistance to set up renewable power generation energy projects in the state. Goa requires approximately 540MW of power during the day time and 640MW during peak hours from 6pm to 11pm.
Speaking on behalf of the pharmaceutical sector, Dr Praveen Khullar requested the electricity department to permit momentary grid synchronisation which will reduce the power interruptions. Dr Khullar, who is the president of Goa Pharmaceutical Manufacturer’s Association, said that power fluctuations lead to production and financial losses.
Admitting that the power supply scenario in the state could be improved, Cabral said he had “big plans” to reform the electricity sector. The power minister also urged the industry to set up solar power generation units.
“The government is keen to provide reliable and affordable power supply to the state and adequate steps have already been taken in this regard,” said Cabral. He asked Goa’s private sector, particularly those from the manufacturing and tourism sector to submit ideas for the electricity department’s three year business plan.
