As one of India’s largest solar parks, the Bhadla Solar Park is a massive facility. Located in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur, the park has a capacity of up to 2,245 MW, and is sprawled across an area of 14,000 acre. It has offered employment opportunities to thousands of people, and helps in furthering the country’s move towards becoming a sustainable nation.
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See also: What makes Kolkata’s Eco Park special?
Bhadla Solar Park: Key facts
The first phase of the park consists of seven solar power plants with a combined capacity of 75 MW. The second phase comprises 10 solar power plants with a combined capacity of 680 MW. The combined capacity of the ten solar power plants in phases three and four is 1,000 MW and 500 MW, respectively.
The solar park is run by the NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation) and the SECT (Solar Energy Corporation of India). A 25-year power purchase agreement was signed by the two companies and the designated developers. Hero Future Energies (300 MW), Softbank Group (200 MW), SB Energy (300 MW) and ACME Solar (200 MW) are all contributing to the third phase of the park.
In the fourth stage of the development of the solar power plant will witness the participation of Azure Power (200MW), Phelan Energy Group (50MW), ReNew Solar Power (50MW), SB Energy (100MW) and Avaada Power (100MW).
Bhadla Solar Park: Location
Bhadla is situated around 200 km north of the Jodhpur city and about 320 km west of the state capital Jaipur. It is officially classified as a sandy, dry and arid location with an area of roughly 45 sq km. The area’s climate has been called ‘almost unlivable’ in the past. With high winds and frequent sandstorms, Bhadla typically experiences temperatures between 46°C and 48 °C . The village of Bap is the closest settlement to Bhadla, located approximately 50 km away. Phalodi, a tehsil town, is the closest metropolitan centre, and it is located around 80 km away.
Bhadla Solar Park: How to reach?
By air: The Jodhpur Airport is the closest airport to the Bhadla Solar Park, located 155 km away.
By rail: The closest railway station is the Jodhpur Junction Railway Station, which is located approximately 145 km from the solar park.
By road: The solar park is accessible by road from most major cities in Rajasthan. You can take a bus or cab to reach the park.
Bhadla Solar Park: Features
Solar panels at the park use photovoltaic technology, which turns sunlight into electricity. To ensure maximum energy output, the panels are fastened to fixed structures that move with the sun throughout the day. A Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system that delivers real-time data on energy generation is used to track the park’s performance.
Bhadla Solar Park: Significance
The contribution of the solar park to India’s renewable energy goals is one of its important characteristics. India has made significant progress towards its objective of producing 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022 with the help of this initiative. The solar park has also made a substantial contribution to the country’s efforts to lower carbon emissions, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote a sustainable future. It is anticipated to reduce carbon emissions by 4 MT.
Approximately 2,500 locals were hired throughout the construction phase of the project, providing job possibilities for the community. Along with roads and transmission lines, the park has helped build the community’s infrastructure.
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Bhadla Solar Park: Power transmission
The Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) and the government-owned transmission firm TRANSCO will create the power evacuation system for the solar park and transmit it to the state electricity boards. At Bhadla, PGCIL will build pooling stations and substations for the 765 kV, 400 kV, and 220 kV grids. For the interconnection of solar parks, a transmission system with a 765kV and 400kV double-circuit line, as well as two 400kV and four 220kV line bays, will also be installed. Additionally, 400/220/132kV grid substations for power evacuation will be built by TRANSCO.
Bhadla Solar Park: Contractors involved in construction
The EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) for the expansion of the 140 MW capacity in phase two of the Bhadla Solar Park was performed by The Rays Power Experts. Phase two of a 130 MW solar power park is being built by Vikram Solar. In phase three of the project, Larsen and Toubro was awarded the contract in February 2018 to build a 100 MW solar power plant through SB Energy. Additionally, Ecoppia and SB Energy entered a contract in June 2018 for the installation of 2,000 robotic solar panel cleaners throughout the five sites in project stages three and four.
FAQs
What is Bhadla Solar Park?
The Bhadla Solar Park is a massive solar power facility in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur district. It is the biggest solar park in the world.
How much power does Bhadla Solar Park generate?
2,245 MW of sustainable energy will be produced by the park.
What is the technology used in Bhadla Solar Park?
Solar panels at the park use photovoltaic technology, which turns sunlight into electricity.
How much area is covered by Bhadla Solar Park?
The park covers an area of 14,000 acre.
What is the expected reduction in carbon emissions due to Bhadla Solar Park?
The project is anticipated to reduce carbon emissions by 4 million tonne.
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