Khavda Solar Park (Gujarat Hybrid Renewable Energy Park): Boosting India’s Solar Landscape
Imagine a vast sunny landscape filled with millions of solar panels glistening in the desert sunshine. This isn’t a futuristic vision; it’s the very real Khavda Solar Park. Also known as the Gujarat Hybrid Renewable Energy Park, the project costs approximately 1.5 lakh crore and is of a staggering size similar to the city of Bangalore!
This is going to be the largest solar power plant in the world, with a planned capacity of 30 GW.
The Hybrid park will offset approximately 58 million tonnes of CO2 per year. It also aims to provide clean energy to around 16 million homes, which is nearly comparable to powering entire countries like Poland, Belgium and Canada.
One of the most innovative aspects of the Khavda Solar Park is its marriage of solar and wind power. Solar power generation peaks during the day, while wind power can be harnessed all the time and in different weather conditions. Below is a breakdown:
1. Hybrid Wind-Solar Power Zone:
Capacity: 26,000 MW.
Total Land: 49,600 hectares.
2. Wind Power Zone:
Capacity: 4,000 MW.
Total Land: 23,000 hectares.
Video Source: IndiaTV
Khavda Renewable Energy Park - Location Overview
The Khavda Solar Park is built near Vighakot village in the Kutch district, strategically placed approximately 10 kilometres from the India-Pakistan border.
The park isn’t just an engineering spectacle; its location is strategically chosen to maximise its potential. The positioning offers several benefits:
- Kutch boasts an arid landscape with exceptional sunshine. The region receives an impressive 2,060 kWh/m2 of solar irradiation annually (Business Standard report), perfect for maximising solar energy production.
- Khavda Solar Park is spread across 726 square kilometres. Over one lakh hectares (100,000 hectares) of this land is ideal for harnessing both solar and wind power due to favourable weather conditions.
- The park has a proximity to existing power transmission grids. This facilitates easier integration of the generated clean energy into the national grid for household use.
- The park is located near the Rann of Kutch, a large salt marsh that changes with the seasons, making the land unsuitable for other uses. Careful planning has been done to ensure the park fits well with this unique environment.
- Being away from densely populated areas also minimises potential land-use conflicts with agriculture or residential development.
Kutch has a population density of 45,674 km2 (Census 2011). The park being further away from the relative population helps maintain low levels of light pollution. This allows for optimal solar panel performance, maximising energy generation.
Technologies and Innovations Being Utilised
The Khavda Solar Park is at the forefront of technological innovation in the renewable energy sector. Several cutting-edge technologies are being employed for the first time in the country to enhance the efficiency of the park:
- Waterless Robotic Cleaning Systems: Traditional solar panel cleaning methods require large amounts of water, which can be a scarce resource in arid regions. To address this, Khavda Solar Park will use robotic cleaning systems that do not require water. These robots can efficiently clean the solar panels, ensuring maximum efficiency without depleting local water resources.
- Advanced Wind Turbines: There are currently 30 wind turbines currently installed at the Khavda project site. Moreover, the foundation for 50 additional wind turbines has already been laid. The wind power component of the park will utilise state-of-the-art wind turbines designed for high efficiency and durability. These turbines are capable of generating power at lower wind speeds, making them ideal for the varied wind conditions in the Kutch region.
- Energy Storage Systems: The park will incorporate advanced energy storage systems. These systems will store excess energy generated during peak production times and release it during periods of low production, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply. Hyderabad-based Jayram Industries secured a contract to install a 250 kW/1,200 kWh lithium-ion battery system to support existing solar projects. Additionally, the government plans to build a massive 14 gigawatt-hour grid-scale battery storage system at the park, further solidifying its position as a renewable energy powerhouse.
- Bi-Facial Solar Modules: Around 40 lakh solar bi-facial solar panels are installed in the Khavda Renewable Energy Solar Park. These advanced solar panels can capture sunlight from both sides. By absorbing the reflected light from the ground with the backside of the panels, bi-facial modules can significantly boost electricity generation by up to 30%, especially in areas with high albedo like the Rann of Kutch. NTPC presently requires bi-facial PV modules with a minimum wattage of 540 Wp for a DC capacity of 1,515 MWp, which consists of four blocks of 378.75 MWp each.
Development Phases and Timeline of the Khavda Hybrid Park
The Khavda Renewable Park project has made significant strides in its development with several key milestones. The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the project phases, key players and the current status:
Key Milestones Achieved till March 2024:
Operationalising of the first 1 GW by AGEL, with the installation of 2.4 million photovoltaic modules.
Economic & Environmental Impact of Khavda Renewable Energy Park
The Khavda RE Park contributes substantially in multiple ways:
Strategic Significance:
- Khavda Solar Park is a significant step towards India’s goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 (Ministry of Power Govt. of India).
- The park’s 30 GW capacity will be crucial in enhancing India’s energy mix and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Alignment with National Initiatives:
- The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s (MNRE) Solar Park Scheme targets the establishment of at least 50 solar parks generating 40,000 MW of solar power projects.
- The Khavda Solar Park plays a crucial role here, fulfilling 75% of the target by itself.
Green Job Creation:
- Over 15,200 green jobs are expected to be created during the development and operational phases of the Khavda Solar Park (According to Adani Green Energy).
- This will boost local economies and provide new opportunities for employment and skills development in the renewable energy sector.
Environmental Benefits:
- The park will generate approximately 81 billion units of clean electricity, significantly reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.
- It will provide clean energy to around 16.1 million households, improving energy accessibility and reliability.
Carbon Emissions Reduction:
- India aims to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
- The Khavda Solar Park will contribute significantly to these targets by offsetting approximately 30 million tonnes of CO2 annually.
- The project is expected to avoid 58 million tons of CO2 emissions, substantially impacting environmental sustainability.
- This reduction is equivalent to the carbon reduction of approximately 2,761 million trees, demonstrating the park’s positive impact on mitigating climate change.
Resource Conservation:
- The avoided emissions are also equivalent to preventing the use of 60,300 tonnes of coal, highlighting the park’s role in conserving natural resources.
- Additionally, it equates to removing 12.6 million cars from the roads, significantly reducing air pollution and improving public health.
Comparison with Other Major Renewable Energy Projects Globally
In the realm of renewable energy projects, the Khavda Solar Park in India stands out as a true giant. Its sheer scale and innovative hybrid approach to harnessing both solar and wind power set it apart from the competition.
The biggest renewable energy projects around the world:
- Kubuqi Desert Solar Project, China: Planned Capacity of 16,000 MW
- Bhadla Solar Park, India: Capacity of 2,245 MW
- Huanghe Hydropower Hainan Solar Park, China: Capacity of 2,200 MW
- Pavagada Solar Park, India: Capacity of 2,050 MW
The closest contender might be China’s Kubuqi Desert Solar Project expected to supply 40 TWh/year. However, Kubuqi incorporates coal energy in its mix, a point of distinction from Khavda’s pure focus on renewables. While both Khavda and Kubuqi are still under construction, the 30 GW capacity of the Gujarat Hybrid RE Park will surpass all currently operational solar parks globally.
Conclusion
The Khavda Solar Park or Gujarat Hybrid Renewable Energy Park is a significant milestone in India’s renewable energy journey. From its strategic location to its innovative integration of solar and wind power, Khavda Solar Park is a marvel of modern engineering. The park’s potential to generate clean energy for millions of homes while creating a substantial number of green jobs positions it as a game-changer.
The impact of Khavda Solar Park goes beyond India’s borders. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and curbing carbon emissions, this colossal project sets a powerful example for the world. It’s a blueprint for a future powered by clean energy, paving the way for a more sustainable planet.
Frequently Asked Questions:
While most of the project is expected to be completed by 2026, Adani Green expects to finish it within the next five years.
In regions with frequent sandstorms, it’s important to find innovative cleaning solutions to maintain infrastructure and keep surfaces clear of sand and dust. Additionally, high ambient temperatures in these areas can potentially impact the efficiency of solar panels. Limited water resources further pose a challenge for cleaning and construction purposes in these environments.
The park will be connected to existing power transmission lines facilitated by the Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL). Upgrading existing infrastructure might be required to handle the massive amount of energy generated with plans of 14 GWh by the Indian government.
Environmental impact assessments are often conducted to minimise the disruption of wildlife habitats. One method used to prevent collisions with solar panels is the use of bird deterrents.
The project aims to create jobs in the construction, maintenance, and security sectors. It also has the potential to incorporate skill development programs in renewable energy, and it seeks to improve access to clean energy for nearby villages.
