TheBhadla Solar Parkis asolar power plantlocated in theThar DesertofRajasthan,India.It covers an area of 56 square kilometers and has a total installed capacity of 2,245megawatts(MW), making it India's largest and the11th-largest solar park in the worldas of 2024.[4]The park was developed in four phases since 2015, with $775 million in funding from theClimate Investment Fundand $1.4 billion in funding from other sources.[5]The park contributes to India'srenewable energygoals and helps reducegreenhouse gas emissionsby an estimated 4 million tons per year.[6]
| Bhadla Solar Park | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| Country | India |
| Location | Bhadla,Phalodi district,Rajasthan |
| Coordinates | 27°32′23″N71°54′55″E/ 27.5397°N 71.9153°E |
| Status | Operational |
| Commission date | 20 March 2020 |
| Construction cost | (US$2.175 billion) |
| Solar farm | |
| Type | Flat-panel PV |
| Site area | 5,700 ha (14,000 acres) |
| Power generation | |
| Nameplate capacity | 2,245 MW[1][2][3] |
| External links | |
| Website | https://ntpcrel.co.in/ |
| Commons | Related media on Commons |
Development
editThe Bhadla Solar Park was initiated by the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited (RRECL), a joint venture between theGovernment of Rajasthanand theMinistry of New and Renewable Energy(MNRE). The RRECL identified Bhadla, a remote area in thePhalodi tehsilofPhalodi district,as a suitable site for solar power generation due to itshigh solar irradiance,low population density,and availability of government-owned land.[7]
In Phase I in 2017,NTPC Limitedauctioned 420 MW to several developers including Fortum of Finland. In Phase II,Solar Energy Corporation of India(SECI) auctioned 250 MW which includes the under constructionAMP Energy Bhadla Solar Power PlantandNTPC Bhadla Solar Power Plant.In Phase III on May 11, 2017,ACME Powerwon 200 MW andSoftbank Group(SBG) won 300 MW. In Phase IV on May 9, 2017,Phelan Energy Groupwon 50 MW,Avaada Energywon 100 MW and SBG Cleantech consortium won 100 MW. SECI tendered bids for the remaining 750 MW in June 2017.[8]After its completion in December 2018, the solar park achieved a total installed capacity of 2,055 MW, making it the largest solar park in India as of 2023.
Impact
editThe Bhadla Solar Park is one of the projects ofIndia's National Solar Mission,which aims to install 100 gigawatts (GW) of solar power by 2022. The park also helps India meet its commitments under theParis Agreementto reduce its carbon intensity by 33-35% by 2030.[9]
According to a study by theWorld Bank,the park has multiple benefits for the local economy and environment. The park has created about 10,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction and operation.[10]The park has also improved the quality and reliability of electricity supply in the region.[10]The park has also reduced the dependence onfossil fuelsand avoided about 4 million tons ofcarbon dioxideemissions per year.[10]
Challenges
editThe Bhadla Solar Park has faced some challenges due to its location and scale. One of the main challenges has been dust accumulation on the solar panels, which reduces their efficiency and output. The park is also located in an arid region that experiences frequentdust storms and sandstorms.[11]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^"With 2'245 MW of Commissioned Solar Projects, World's Largest Solar Park is Now at Bhadl".Retrieved20 March2020.
- ^"Solar power park of 620 MW capacity get operational at Bhadla park".Energyworld, The Economic Times.2 October 2018.Archivedfrom the original on 2 October 2018.Retrieved2 December2018.
- ^"ACME commissions 2000 MW solar power plant at Bhadla".22 September 2018.Archivedfrom the original on 22 September 2018.Retrieved19 February2018.
- ^Gill, Tom (12 March 2024)."The 15 largest solar farms in the world 2024".Theecoexperts.Retrieved3 June2024.
- ^O'Malley, James."India is harnessing renewable energy through the world's biggest solar farm. Here's how it happened".Business Insider.Retrieved14 May2023.
- ^"Soaking Up Sun in the Thar Desert".earthobservatory.nasa.gov.19 February 2022.Retrieved14 May2023.
- ^"All You Need To Know About Bhadla Solar Power Plant".Solar Square Blog.20 August 2022.Retrieved14 May2023.
- ^Team (19 March 2020)."Bhadla World's Largest Solar Park".RajRAS | RAS Exam Preparation.Retrieved14 May2023.
- ^Baker, Jill."Why India Thinks A Trillion-Dollar Price Tag Is Worth Staying In The Paris Climate Accord".Forbes.Retrieved14 May2023.
- ^abc"India's solar-powered future clashes with local life".BBC News.13 October 2022.Retrieved14 May2023.
- ^"Soaking Up Sun in the Thar Desert".earthobservatory.nasa.gov.19 February 2022.Retrieved14 May2023.