All You Need To Know About Bhadla Solar Power Plant

India is home to over 40 massive solar projects. Some of these are still in their budding phases, while some have been established and recognised worldwide. 

The country aims to achieve its 2032 renewable energy target with a 40% contribution from solar power. 

In its quest for renewable power, India has given rise to several massive solar power plants, and one of them is the Bhadla Solar Power Plant. 

With 2245 MW (2.25GW) capacity and over 10 million solar panels, Bhadla Solar Power Plant is not only the largest solar plant in the country but also worldwide. It tops the list of the world’s largest photovoltaic power stations. 

Let’s learn about this esteemed project— its beginning, journey, and current position. 

Where is the Bhadla Solar Power Plant Situated?

Spanning over an area of 14,000 acres or 5,700 hectares, the world’s largest solar park– Bhadla Solar Park, is located in the village of Bhadla, tehsil Phalodi, Jodhpur district, Rajasthan, India.

The project gets its name from its location– the Village Bhadla. 

This region is known for its solar-friendly high temperatures. Rajasthan has very high temperatures all year around. But the blazing sun overhead in Bhadla makes it an almost unlivable area. It usually has temperatures between 46 – 48 degrees Celsius. 

So, utilising the immense sunlight, the plant also provides sufficient power to the neighbouring areas.

Before Bhadla, China was the leading producer of solar energy with its Longyangxia Dam Solar Park. Although India joined the race much later, it is way ahead of China now. 

Who is Behind the Establishment of the Bhadla Solar Power Plant?

The world’s largest fully commissioned photovoltaic project involves a huge investment.

The project was initiated in 2015 with an investment of $1.4 billion. It was developed by multiple entities, including RSDCL, Saurya Urja Company, and Adani Renewable Energy Park Rajasthan.

Rajasthan Solarpark Development Company Limited (RSDCL) is a subsidiary company of RREC. It was incorporated for developing and managing the solar parks in Rajasthan. 

RSDCL formulates approaches and policies concerning the allotment of land for the power plant and sharing of development costs by the solar power producers. 

Development Phases of Bhadla Solar Power Plant

The development of this solar power project took place over the years. It is still in progress as the government aims to increase its capacity even more. 

The entire Bhadla Solar Power Plant project was divided into four phases:

• Bhadla Solar Project Phase I: 75 MW
• Bhadla Solar Project Phase II: 680 MW
• Bhadla Solar Project Phase III: 1000 MW
• Bhadla Solar Project Phase IV: 500 MW

Bhadla Solar Park Phase-I has seven solar plants with a total of 75 MW capacity. Phase-II has ten solar plants of a total 680 MW capacity. The third and fourth phases consist of 10 solar power plants, each with total capacities of 1000MW and 500MW, respectively.

The construction began in July 2015, and the first phase was commissioned in 2018. The second phase was completed in April 2019, and the third and fourth stages started in March 2020.

The RSDCL developed the first two phases. SUC or Saurya Urja Company built the third phase. The final stage of the project was designed by Adani renewable energy park. 

Important Details About Bhadla Solar Power Plant

Here are some more fascinating details about the Bhadla Solar Power Plant — 

The location of the power plant has high temperatures and a sandy arid environment. It experiences regular sandstorms. But the abundant sunlight is great for harnessing solar energy and producing large quantities of electricity.

The panels demand thorough cleaning owing to the environmental conditions. These solar panels are cleaned by robots that are monitored by humans.

The Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation (RREC) has assigned land for the execution of the Bhadla Solar Power Plant project. For the first two phases, RSDCL leased 1,800 hectares of land.

Bhadla Solar Park produces enough electricity to power four and a half million households completely. 

The park witnessed some of the country’s lowest bids for solar power. In December 2020, the power was sold at ₹2.44 per kilowatt-hour.

What is the Significance of the Bhadla Solar Park?

The contribution of the Bhadla Solar power Plant is great not just to the country but also to the environment.

Let’s go through the points of significance in detail. 

• The Bhadla Solar Power Plant project is greatly helping India minimise its dependence on fossil fuels.
• It is one of the major factors that encourage economic growth in the region. The impact is not just limited to the region but also affects the country’s economy as a whole.
• It helps in job creation in the surrounding communities. Several people have found employment in the building and managing of the project. 
• The influx of people into the renewable energy sector has created several jobs for people from other states as well. 
• The development of the Bhadla Solar Power Plant in Jodhpur has led to improved air quality in the city due to the reduced burning of fossil fuels for energy. 
• The Bhadla Solar Park relies on pure solar energy to create power. Thus, it is a source of consistent green power supply to the national grid. The Bhadla Solar Plant produces up to 732,874 MWh per year.

Conclusion 

Solar power projects like Bhadla Solar Power Plant are enabling India to lessen its reliance on non-renewable imported fossil fuels. 

They provide low-cost loans and lower the cost of solar panels. The environmentally friendly technology is by far one of the healthiest interior lighting sources in rural regions.

FAQs

Q. What is the Bhadla Solar Power Plant?

The Bhadla Solar Power Plant is the world’s largest solar park. It spreads across 5,700 hectares of land. 

It is located in the village of Bhadla, tehsil Phalodi, Jodhpur district, Rajasthan, India.

Q. What is the purpose of Bhadla Solar Park?

Bhadla Solar Park helps in reducing India’s reliance on imported fossil fuels. It provides low-cost loans. 

It also ensures that minimal damage is caused to the environment by replacing non-renewable energy resources for power generation with renewable solar energy. 

Q. How does the Bhadla Solar Power Plant work?

The Bhadla Solar Park has photovoltaic panels that capture sunlight and convert it into DC power. It sells this power to the national grid for distribution and consumption. 

Q. What is the capacity of the Bhadla Solar Power Plant?

The Bhadla Solar Park has a 2245 MW or 2.25 GW capacity. It stretches across 56 square kilometers.