Panaji's bold roadmap: A solar-powered city in two years

The state government of Panaji has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to transform the city into a fully solar-powered metropolis within the next two years. The initiative revolves around the widespread adoption of solar energy solutions, primarily focusing on the installation of solar rooftop infrastructure across the urban landscape. Concurrently, efforts will be directed towards fostering public awareness about renewable energy. Presently, the plan encompasses 81 residential complexes within Panaji, all earmarked for a vigorous campaign promoting solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. The ultimate goal is to transition the entire city to a state of complete reliance on renewable energy sources. Furthermore, the deployment of solar energy will encompass diverse sectors and consumer categories within the city, effectively addressing the growing demand for electricity and promoting sustainable urban development. A high-ranking government official noted that advanced tools such as the Sun Analyzer Software were employed to conduct satellite-based assessments of Panaji's solar rooftop potential. The city has been meticulously divided into distinct zones, each scrutinised for available rooftop space on buildings. These zones have been categorised into residential, commercial, industrial, and governmental segments. The state government is poised to formulate a comprehensive City Renewable Energy Action Plan, leveraging support from the Indo-German Energy Programme — Access to Energy in Rural Areas (IGEN-Access II), overseen by the national Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. This collaborative effort aims to provide technical expertise in the establishment of renewable energy-driven urban centres. Central to the government's action plan is the ambitious goal of generating 34.5 megawatts of solar rooftop power, accounting for potential expansion as the city grows. Additional focal points include the complete electrification of passenger transportation through 100 per cent electric vehicles, implementation of energy-efficient measures across commercial, industrial, public, and residential sectors, and the creation of a network of off-grid charging stations with a collective capacity of 34.5 megawatts, catering to the charging needs of all electric vehicles. The plan also envisions the generation of an extra 74 megawatts through solar park installations and innovative applications.