Goa is looking at its reservoirs not just as water resources, but as potential clean-energy assets. The state government has proposed 197.23 MW of floating solar capacity across four reservoirs: Salaulim, Chapoli, Anjunem and Amthane, with an estimated investment of ₹1,347 crore. The proposal, being pursued through the Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA), could add a major new dimension to Goa’s renewable energy infrastructure while reducing the need for large land parcels for solar installations.
There is a significant number at the centre of Goa’s latest renewable-energy proposal: 197.23 MW.
That is the combined floating solar capacity the Goa Government is considering across four reservoirs in the state, backed by an estimated project investment of ₹1,347 crore.
The proposed projects cover Salaulim and Chapoli in South Goa, and Amthane and Anjunem in North Goa, placing reservoirs across both districts at the centre of the state’s emerging floating solar strategy.
It is a different approach to solar power, one that looks at existing water bodies as spaces where clean-energy infrastructure can be developed without consuming comparable stretches of land.
Read Also: Goa’s Solar Energy Revolution: Here’s How the Govt Is Making It Cheaper
The numbers behind the proposal
The largest piece of the plan is at Salaulim Dam, where a floating solar project of 134.80 MW has been assessed at an estimated cost of ₹909 crore.
The proposed capacity at Chapoli Dam is 27.60 MW, with an estimated investment of ₹190 crore. Anjunem Dam is also being considered for 27.60 MW at around ₹192 crore, while Amthane Dam has been assessed for 7.23 MW at an estimated ₹56 crore.
Together, these four projects add up to 197.23 MW and an estimated investment of ₹1,347 crore.
The projects are proposed to include battery energy storage systems, potentially giving the renewable-energy infrastructure greater flexibility in managing power generation.
A Detailed Project Report (DPR) will now be prepared for the four locations. Each project is eligible for ₹30 lakh in Central Financial Assistance for DPR preparation.
Beyond the Surface: Unlocking New Energy Potential
The significance of floating solar goes beyond simply putting photovoltaic panels on reservoirs.
Solar projects traditionally require substantial land. Floating solar, by contrast, allows panels to be installed on water surfaces, opening up another route for expanding renewable-energy generation while making use of existing reservoirs.
The proposed installations could also help reduce evaporation from reservoir surfaces. At the same time, the cooling effect of the water surrounding the floating systems can potentially support better panel efficiency.
For Goa, where land is a valuable resource, that combination makes floating solar an especially interesting clean-energy option.
The proposed floating platforms are expected to use high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The material has been described in the proposal as inert and non-toxic, with testing planned to ensure that it does not release harmful substances into reservoir water.
Read Also: Goans, Here’s Good News! 50% Concession for Seniors on Ekadasha Teertha Yatra
Four reservoirs, four clean-energy opportunities
The scale of the proposed floating solar blocks varies significantly between the four reservoirs.
At Salaulim, around 365.84 hectares have been considered for floating solar blocks. Chapoli has approximately 46.92 hectares under consideration, while Amthane and Anjunem have 16.45 hectares and 54.11 hectares, respectively.
The Water Resources Department (WRD) has agreed to provide No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for the four reservoirs, an important step in moving the proposal forward.
The government is also looking beyond the first phase. For the proposed second phase, the River Navigation and Captain of Ports departments have been directed to identify suitable non-navigable stretches where floating solar projects could potentially be developed.
That opens the possibility of expanding the concept beyond the four reservoirs currently identified.
Building Sustainable Momentum: Goa’s Strategic Path to Green Energy
The Goa Government’s approach is deliberately phased.
The Chief Secretary has directed that Chapoli, Amthane, Anjunem and Salaulim be taken up in the first phase, while technical and water-level assessments will help determine the final configuration of the projects.
Each project is expected to take approximately 18 months to construct, with estimated tariffs ranging from ₹3.83 to ₹4.38 per unit over 25 years.
But there is an important qualification: these are still proposals based on a pre-feasibility study.
The final project capacities, costs and tariffs could change once the Water Resources Department provides firm minimum and maximum water levels for the reservoirs. The DPR process will therefore be critical in establishing the technical and financial feasibility of each project.
What this means for Goa’s renewable-energy future
The 197.23 MW proposal represents more than another solar project.
It signals an effort by the Goa Government to explore new forms of renewable-energy infrastructure, combine solar generation with energy storage and use existing public resources more efficiently.
If implemented, the four projects could give Goa a substantial new floating solar network while supporting the state’s broader clean-energy ambitions.
For a state known for its natural landscapes and limited land availability, the idea is particularly relevant: generate more clean power, use existing water surfaces and reduce pressure on land.
The proposal is still at the pre-feasibility and DPR stage, but the direction is clear. Goa is looking beyond conventional solar installations and exploring how its reservoirs can become part of the state’s next chapter in renewable energy and sustainable development.
Read Also: Goa Net Positive Panchayat: A New Model for Goa Panchayat Governance