Major Solar Power Plant Projects in India
From being a founding member of the 2015 International Solar Alliance to installing over 50 GW of solar power projects, India has come a long way in its eco-friendly power generation journey.
The challenges due to the fast depletion of fossil fuel reservoirs and emission of greenhouse gases continue to rise. The situation demands a major switch to a sustainable energy source.
The Government of India prioritises meeting the country’s energy demands through solar projects. It aims to achieve a total of 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030, of which 300 GW is expected to come from solar power.
So, how has India performed in establishing some gigantic solar power projects? Let us learn about it in detail!
Major Indian Solar Power Projects
The country’s largest solar power projects have been set up in states like – Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
Here is a list of 5 solar power projects in India that are major contributors to the country’s advancement toward its solar energy target.
1. Rewa Ultra Mega Solar 2020 (750 MW)
PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Power Project in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh.
It is the first Indian solar project to break the grid parity barrier. Rewa Ultra is Asia’s Largest Single-Site solar plant. It occupies an area of 1,550 hectares.
The implementing agency– RUMSL or Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited, is a combined venture of SECI (Solar Energy Corporation of India) and MP Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (MPUVNL).
It is the first project to supply power to an inter-state open access customer, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
2. Bhadla Solar Park Project (2245 MW)
Spanning over 14,000 acres, the Bhadla Solar Park is one of the largest solar power plant projects in the world. It is located in Bhadla, Jodhpur district, Rajasthan.
This region of Rajasthan, with the blazing sun overhead, has been described as an almost unlivable area due to its climate. It usually has temperatures between 46 and 48 degrees Celsius.
The project is expected to become not just India’s one of the biggest solar power projects but the world’s largest fully commissioned PV project while utilising excessive sunlight. It involves a huge investment of about ₹10,000 crores.
3. Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Project (1000MW)
With a total area coverage of 5932 acres, the Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Project is located in the Panyam Mandal of Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh.
The solar park has a total investment of around ₹7,000 crores by the Central and State governments and Solar Developers. The project was commissioned in 2017 and owned by Andhra Pradesh Solar Power Corporation Private Limited (APSPCL).
4. Pavagada Solar Park Project (2050 MW)
It is one of the major solar power projects in India. Completed in 2019, the Pavagada Solar Park covers an area of 13,000 acres in Pavagada, Karnataka. The solar power park has a 2050 MW capacity
The project was launched to adopt a cleaner energy source and minimise greenhouse emissions as much as possible.
5. NP Kunta Ultra Mega Solar Park (1500 MW)
Located in Anathapuram, Andhra Pradesh, this solar park covers 7924 acres of land. It is one of the Ultra Mega Solar Parks in India.
Commissioned in May 2016 by Andhra Pradesh Solar Power Corporation Private Limited, APSPCL, it is divided into two parts:
- – Anathapuram 1
- – Anathpuram 2
While Anathapuram 1 would generate 1500 MW, Anathapuram 2 would have a 500 MW capacity.
Upcoming Solar Power Projects in India
India is facing it and has already laid plans for some major upcoming projects, including-
1. Omkareshwar Reservoir Project (600 MW)
India’s largest floating solar plant is situated at Omkareshwar dam, Madhya Pradesh. It is on the river Narmada. The operation of the project is expected to begin by 2023.
This floating solar project will have a 600 MW solar power capacity. The floating solar panel will be able to adjust its position as per the level of water in the dam.
It is a huge investment project, and the estimated cost is up to 410 million dollars or Rs. 30 billion.
The efficient design of the solar panels will ensure their proper functioning during a flood and high waves.
2. Ramagundam Reservoir (100 MW)
Another floating solar project is aimed to spread over 450 acres at Ramagundam, Telangana. It would replace the premises of an existing thermal power project of NTPC.
The total financial cost is estimated to be ₹423 crores. 80 MW out of the total 100 MW has already commenced for commercial use since March 2022. The remaining 20 MW will be operational in a few months.
3. Kutch Solar Park ( 4.75 GW)
NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation) will construct India’s largest single local solar power park in Kutch. NTPC Renewable Energy has obtained approval from the renewable energy ministry.
The aim is to build this solar park by 2023. The government plans to use this project to produce green hydrogen. The hydrogen produced from a renewable source is termed green hydrogen.
The Kutch region has abundant sunshine all year around. Therefore, the installation of solar power plants will be an effective utilisation of solar energy.
Conclusion
India is advancing towards its renewable energy target at a fast pace by launching many big solar power projects. It has secured the fifth position in the list of countries with maximum solar power production.
Also, India ranks fourth in renewable power installed capacity. The country is dedicated to tripling its production by 2023.
The government has been coming up with several high-power solar projects not just for commercial purposes but also some solar panel project for home and residential areas.
FAQs
Q. What is India’s renewable energy target for the upcoming years?
Endowed with a vast solar energy potential, India has set an ambitious target of 175 GW renewable energy capacity by the end of 2022.
Q. How much power can 1 acre of solar panels produce?
The exact profit from a solar panel will vary depending on the country, state, and location. There’s no fixed figure.
Solar energy generation is directly proportional to peak sun hours per day and all year around. So, countries that receive abundant sunshine will have more yield than those that mostly have an overcast climate.
Q. How many solar power projects are there in India?
India has constantly been raising its solar power target. The government aims to achieve at least 40 GW from rooftop solar by the end of December 2024.
Currently, India has established nearly 42 solar parks.
