By Angela Jorge
India, a nation with abundant solar irradiation, is gradually emerging as a global leader in solar power generation. India generates 6.6% of its electricity through solar power and is the 3rd largest solar-producing country in the world today.
The government aims to establish 50 Solar Parks with a total capacity of 40,000 MW as part of its Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects scheme. These plants give energy to lots of homes and show how much India cares about the environment. Let us check out the top six solar power plants in India!
6 Largest Solar Power Plants in India as of 2024
Following are some of the largest solar power plants in India:
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Bhadla Solar Park
Specific Details:
- Capacity: 2,245 MW
- Collaborators: SB Energy, NTPC and Hero Future Energies.
The Bhadla Solar Park is the largest solar power plant in the world, generating a massive 2,245 MW of clean energy. It covers 14,000 acres in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur district and was developed in four phases by a combination of government and private groups. The park can produce enough energy to power 10 lakhs of homes, making it a significant contributor to clean energy.
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Pavagada Solar Park
Specific Details:
- Capacity: 2,050 MW
- Collaborators: Karnataka Solar Power Development Corporation Ltd. (KSPDCL) and Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI)
South India joins the solar race for constructing some of the largest solar power plants in India with the Pavagada Solar Park, also known as Shakti Sthala (Abode of Power). Located around 180 km from Bengaluru in Karnataka’s Tumkur district, this 2,050 MW solar powerhouse is a testament to India’s commitment to clean energy diversification.
Shakti Sthala sprawls across a vast 53 square kilometres, meticulously divided into eight sections, each generating 250 MW. This meticulous planning ensures optimal power generation and efficient land utilisation.
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Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park
Specific Details:
- Capacity: 1,000 MW
- Collaborators: Greenko, Soft Bank Energy, Azure Power, Prayatna Developers and Solar Energy Corporation of India, Andhra Pradesh Generation Corporation and New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation.
Moving to the eastern coast, Andhra Pradesh boasts the Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park, a 1,000 MW champion of renewable energy. Commissioned in 2017, this solar giant occupies a vast 5,932 acres in the Panyam mandal of Kurnool district.
The park’s success lies in its collaborative effort – a joint venture between solar power developers and the Andhra Pradesh state government. This public-private partnership model paves the way for future large-scale solar projects in India.
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NP Kunta Ultra Mega Solar Park
Specific Details:
Capacity: 1,000 MW
Location: Ananthapuram district, Andhra Pradesh
Area: 11,000 acres
Collaborators: Andhra Pradesh Solar Power Corporation (APSPCL), NTPC, Tata Solar, BHEL, Lanco Sterling and Wilson
Not far from Kurnool, another Andhra Pradesh gem shines brightly – the NP Kunta Ultra Mega Solar Park, also known as the Ananthapuram Ultra Mega Solar Park. This 1,000 MW solar powerhouse, commissioned in 2016, holds the distinction of being one of India’s pioneering ultra mega solar power plants in India.
Spanning over 7,924 acres, NP Kunta played a crucial role in establishing India’s prowess in large-scale solar energy production. The park’s success story has served as a blueprint for subsequent solar projects across the nation.
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Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Park
Specific Details:
- Capacity: 750 MW
- Collaborators: Government of India, International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group)
The Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Park, located in Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa district, is a landmark project in India’s renewable energy landscape. Completed in 2020, it generates approximately 1,120 GWh of electricity annually, accounting for one-third of Madhya Pradesh’s solar power. This massive generation capacity helps reduce CO2 emissions by 15 lakh tonnes per year, equivalent to planting 26 million trees (according to the PIB report).
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Kamuthi Solar Power Project
Specific Details:
Capacity: 648 MW
Collaborators: Adani Green Energy and Total Solar Singapore
The Kamuthi Solar Power Project in Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district is a 648 MW solar plant and one of India’s largest single-location solar power parks. Unlike other solar parks, it focuses on concentrated solar power generation. It offers valuable insights for land use optimisation and maximising power generation within a defined area.
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Khavda Solar Park – The Biggest Solar Power Plant in Making
Specific Details:
- Capacity: 30 GW [Planned]
- Collaborators: Adani Green Energy (AGEL), Sarjan Realities, NTPC, Gujarat Industries Power Company (GIPCL), Gujarat State Electricity Corporation
The Khavda Solar Park in Gujarat’s Kutch district is an ambitious project developed by Adani Green Energy at the moment. It is set to become the world’s largest hybrid renewable energy park with a planned capacity of 30 GW. The Khavda Solar Park will use both solar panels and wind turbines to generate energy throughout the day. This focus on hybrid technology makes the park a game-changer in India’s renewable energy landscape.
The Road Ahead
India’s top solar power plants are just the beginning of the nation’s solar revolution. Find the complete list of the largest solar power plants in India and learn about the nation’s rapid advancements in renewable energy.
These big solar power plants generate clean energy, create significant job opportunities, boost rural electrification and contribute to India’s energy security. The government’s continued focus on clean energy, coupled with advancements in solar technology, paves the way for an even brighter future.
