Biggest solar plant finished before time

The vast, 10 sq km project is the world’s largest solar power station in a single location, according to the company. It has the capacity to power 1,50,000 homes. The speed at which the 648 megawatt project was completed demonstrates the country’s commitment to renewables, said an analyst. 

“The government is very clear about its solar plan, and large installations are key to this plan,” said Aruna Kumarankandath of the Centre for Science and Environment in Delhi. As a signatory to the Paris Agreement on climate change, India is committed to ensuring that at least 40 per cent of its electricity will be generated from non-fossil-fuel sources by 2030. 

While coal still provides the lion’s share of India’s energy, officials forecast the country will meet its Paris Agreement renewable energy commitments three years early and exceed them by nearly half. 

A 10-year blueprint released last month predicts that 57 per cent of total electricity capacity will come from non-fossil sources by 2027. 

Solar energy makes up 16 per cent of renewables capacity now, but will contribute 100 gigawatts of the renewable energy capacity target of 175 GW by 2022. Of that 100 GW target, 60 per cent will come from large solar installations. The government is planning 33 solar parks in 21 states, with a capacity of at least 500 megawatts each. 

“Solar power can be provided at cheaper rates — compared to those offered by private players — by TANGEDCO if the Central government’s power ministry provided the necessary sanction,” top officials claimed. “As the state government has land and the ability to provide the needed infrastructure, rates offered would definitely be cheaper,” they added. That government institutions could  produce power from renewable sources was seen in the recent statement of the NLC (Neyveli Lignite Corporation) chairman SK Acharya who said the NLC has started work on a 130 MW solar power unit at Neyveli and plans to assist the Tamil Nadu government set up 500 MW solar power in the state. “If NLC can do it, so can we,” say TANGEDCO officials. “With massive solar power units costing the same as conventional units, it would boost power available to the state also ensure additional job creation.” 

Allowing the government to start solar plants is the quickest way to ensure that India adheres to the Paris Agreement on climate change, officials aver. “But with the central government’s power ministry wanting private players to be encouraged in the renewable energy sector, it limits government participation,” they feel.