Bhadla Solar Park
CountryIndia
LocationBhadla, Jodhpur district, Rajasthan
Coordinates27°32′23″N 71°54′55″E / 27.5396685°N 71.9152528°E / 27.5396685; 71.9152528
StatusOperational
Commission date20 March 2020 (2020-03-20)
Construction cost(US$2.175 billion)
Solar farm
TypeFlat-panel PV
Site area5,700 ha (14,000 acres)
Power generation
Nameplate capacity2,245 MW[1][2][3]
External links
Websitehttps://ntpcrel.co.in/
CommonsRelated media on Commons

The Bhadla Solar Park is a solar power plant located in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, India. It covers an area of 56 square kilometers and has a total installed capacity of 2,245 megawatts (MW), making it the largest solar park in the world as of 2023.[4][5] The park was developed in four phases since 2015, with $775 million in funding from the Climate Investment Fund and $1.4 billion in funding from other sources.[6] The park contributes to India's renewable energy goals and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 4 million tons per year.[7]

Development

The Bhadla Solar Park was initiated by the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited (RRECL), a joint venture between the Government of Rajasthan and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The RRECL identified Bhadla, a remote area in the Phalodi tehsil of Jodhpur district, as a suitable site for solar power generation due to its high solar irradiance, low population density, and availability of government-owned land.[8]

In Phase I in 2017, NTPC Limited auctioned 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 construction AMP Energy Bhadla Solar Power Plant and NTPC Bhadla Solar Power Plant. In Phase III on May 11, 2017, ACME Power won 200 MW and Softbank Group (SBG) won 300 MW. In Phase IV on May 9, 2017, Phelan Energy Group won 50 MW, Avaada Energy won 100 MW and SBG Cleantech consortium won 100 MW. SECI tendered bids for the remaining 750 MW in June 2017.[9] 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 the world as of 2023.

Development of Bhadla Solar Park documented on satellite Sentinel-2 imagery

Impact

The Bhadla Solar Park is one of the projects of India'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 the Paris Agreement to reduce its carbon intensity by 33-35% by 2030.[10]

According to a study by the World 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.[11] The park has also improved the quality and reliability of electricity supply in the region.[12] The park has also reduced the dependence on fossil fuels and avoided about 4 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year.[13]

Challenges

The 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 frequent dust storms and sandstorms.[14]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "With 2,245 MW of Commissioned Solar Projects, World's Largest Solar Park is Now at Bhadl". Retrieved 20 March 2020.
  2. ↑ "Solar power park of 620 MW capacity get operational at Bhadla park". Energyworld, The Economic Times. 2 October 2018. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 2 December 2018.
  3. ↑ "ACME commissions 2000 MW solar power plant at Bhadla". 22 September 2018. Archived from the original on 22 September 2018. Retrieved 19 February 2018.
  4. ↑ "All You Need To Know About Bhadla Solar Power Plant". Solar Square Blog. 20 August 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  5. ↑ Sinha, Kaustav (29 December 2020). "Bhadla Solar Park: World's Largest Solar Power Plant". Eco Igloo. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  6. ↑ O'Malley, James. "India is harnessing renewable energy through the world's biggest solar farm. Here's how it happened". Business Insider. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  7. ↑ "Soaking Up Sun in the Thar Desert". earthobservatory.nasa.gov. 19 February 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  8. ↑ "All You Need To Know About Bhadla Solar Power Plant". Solar Square Blog. 20 August 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  9. ↑ Team (19 March 2020). "Bhadla World's Largest Solar Park". RajRAS | RAS Exam Preparation. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  10. ↑ Baker, Jill. "Why India Thinks A Trillion-Dollar Price Tag Is Worth Staying In The Paris Climate Accord". Forbes. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  11. ↑ "India's solar-powered future clashes with local life". BBC News. 13 October 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  12. ↑ "India's solar-powered future clashes with local life". BBC News. 13 October 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  13. ↑ "India's solar-powered future clashes with local life". BBC News. 13 October 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  14. ↑ "Soaking Up Sun in the Thar Desert". earthobservatory.nasa.gov. 19 February 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
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