Top 10 Biggest Solar Plants in World: A Global Review

Over the last few years, solar plant deployment has escalated due to several notable reasons, including soaring energy requirements, advancing technology, lower cost of investment, availability of considerable incentives, climate targets, etc. 

Eventually, global nations have observed more widespread development of solar plants. The globe has various vast and capacious solar plants that yield enormous energy output and support sustainable development.

Here is the list of the top 10 biggest solar plant in world.

Top 10 Biggest Solar Plant in World

  1. Bhadla Solar Park, India (2,245 MW)

The Bhadla Solar Park in India operates with a total capacity of around 2,245 MW. Sprawling over an area of 14,000 acres, the Bhadla Solar Park in India has the position of the biggest solar plant in world.

It is situated in Rajasthan in the Bhadla village of Jodhpur District. It is the leading solar plant across the globe concerning capacity.

  1. Benban Solar Park, Egypt (1,650 MW)

Benban Solar Park is a 1650 MW power station situated in Benban (Aswan Governorate).

Remarkably, the Benban Solar Plant is administered by the New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA). 

It is the biggest solar farm in Africa and also the fourth biggest solar plant in world. The construction of this plant was completed in the month of November 2019, and it cost around USD 4 billion. 

  1. Huanghe Hydropower Hainan Solar Park, China (2,200 MW)

Huanghe Hydropower Hainan Solar Park is a 2.2 GW solar plant situated in Qinghai, China. It is constructed by Huanghe Hydropower Development, a government-led utility company. 

Notably, this solar farm also comprises a storage capacity of 202.8 MW/MWh. The government has made long-term plans to expand the capacity of this farm to around 16 GW. 

  1. Tengger Desert Solar Park, China (1,547 MW)

The Tengger Desert Solar Park is under the administration of the China National Grid and Zhongwei Power Supply Company. 

It is spread over a 1200 km area of the Tengger Desert in Ningxia, China. The 1.55 GW solar plant commenced its operations in 2017, and today, it is one of the biggest solar plant in world. It supplies solar power to beyond 600,000 households.

  1. Pavagada Solar Park, India (2,050 MW)

Pavagada Solar Plant is the second biggest solar power plant in India. It is also the third biggest solar plant in world, with a 2050 MW capacity. Popularly, it is also called the Shakti Sthala Solar Power Project. 

The Pavagada Solar Park is stretched over an area of more than 13,000 acres of land. Through this solar plant, Karnataka aims to fulfil the objectives of its solar policy of 2014-2021, which envisages a shift from conventional energy resources to renewable resources.

  1. Noor Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (1,177 MW)

Noor Abu Dhabi is another biggest solar plant in world, with situated in the United Arab Emirates. It initiated commercial functioning in the month of June 2019. 

This solar energy plant sprawls across eight sq km of land and embraces 3.2 million solar panels. 

Remarkably, this plant will slash around 1 million metric tons of carbon emissions, which is equal to removing around 2 lakh cars from the roads.

  1. NP Kunta Ultra Mega Solar Park, India  (978 MW)

This solar power plant is situated in Nambula Pulakunta Mandal in the Kadiri Division of Andhra Pradesh. 

The plant has a total plant capacity of 1500 MW, but it operates at a capacity of 978 MW. It is popularly known as Kadiri or Ananthapuram – I Ultra Mega Solar Park. This solar park is observing further capacity expansion for future use.

  1. Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park, India (1,000 MW)

Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park is a 1,000 MW capacity solar plant spread across 24 sq km in the Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh, India. 

It has acquired funds from the Central government, State governments, and notable solar developers. The sum of funds invested in constructing this solar power plant is around USD 980 million.

  1. Datong Solar Power Top Runner Base, China (1,000 MW)

The Datong Solar Power Top Runner Base is still under construction. It is being built in the Datong district in China. 

But, it is on the list of the biggest solar farm in world due to its 1.07 GW impressive power generation so far. Currently, a 600 MW additional portion is under construction. 

  1. Copper Mountain Solar Facility, United States (802 MW)

This solar plant is located in Boulder City, Nevada, the US. The plant commenced its operations in December 2010. 

After the development of Copper Mountain V in the month of March 2021, this solar plant became renowned as the largest solar panel farm in the country, with an 802 MW capacity.

Conclusion

Various countries across the world are forging ahead for sustainable & green energy generation

Many nations are putting efforts to meet their respective renewable energy goals straight away by setting up vast solar power projects. 

The solar energy move worldwide is supported by the sweeping biggest solar plant that contributes to a greener future.

FAQs

Q. Which is the biggest solar plant in world?

In 2020, the Bhadla Solar Park became the biggest solar plant in world, with a total energy generation capacity of 2,245 MW. 

It is extended across 14,000 acres. This project was built in four distinct phases and is located at Bhadla village in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

Q. How does the biggest solar plant in world impact the environment?

The biggest solar plant in world generates solar energy – a renewable source of power that plays a crucial role in slashing the emissions of greenhouse gases. 

Also, it helps to address climate change, which is significant to safeguarding human beings, wildlife, and ecosystems. Besides, it also helps enhance the air quality & reduce water usage for power generation.

Q. Does the biggest solar plant in world lead to damaging the land?

The deforestation done to make use of large areas of land for setting up the biggest solar plant in world can impact negatively on the environment. 

It influences the native flora & fauna in several aspects. Few notable adverse effects include – loss of habitat, intervention with rainfall and drainage, etc.

However, the long-term benefits of going solar are worth every bit of trouble.

Q. Which country is the Global Leader in the Construction of Solar Plants?

As per the reports of January 2021, China is the worldwide leader concerning the capacity of solar plants.