In a major shift to be fully self-sufficient on solar power, the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) will set up a major solar power plant in the port. The MPA is also hopeful that the much-awaited arm of the port connectivity flyover project will be completed by April.

Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) Deputy Chairman GP Rai said that the new solar power plant could enable the port to cater to the needs of all ships, especially cruise ships.

?The MPA is on the way to become an entire solar power-based port. It is not only MPA, but all ports are taking the initiative to look towards solar energy. The MPA initially took the step in a very small way and installed solar panels on the rooftop of our main administrative building.?

?But we have now decided to go in a very big way. We have a lot of buildings that are in a very dilapidated condition, and we plan to demolish all these buildings and establish a solar power plant.?

?We have already planned a solar plant of around 3 MW along with Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) and we may go up to 5 MW. We will then become almost 100 percent self-sufficient,? said Rai.