The ultra-mega solar power plant sited in Madhya Pradesh is turning into a shining example of the efficient management of solar energy. It is the world’s largest and, at the same time, holds the distinction of the lowest commercial energy production rate in the world. The first phase of the project has been able to notch up an electricity generation rate of Rs 3.30 per unit for a period of 25 years.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav recently announced that Rewa solar power plant has been chosen by the Harvard University for its case study for efficient management operations. Once again, the honour brings recognition for the efforts of Madhya Pradesh in becoming a solar energy-rich state under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Commitment to Solar Energy
The Rewa ultra-mega solar power plant began operations from January 2020, where supply of electricity to the Delhi Metro Railway Corporation began in April 2019. A facility that has been instrumental in showcasing the potential for India’s solar energy production, the state of Madhya Pradesh boasts of more than 300 sunny days a year, thereby perfect for solar energy initiatives.
Besides the Rewa facility, the state has proposed the world’s largest floating solar project of 600 MW capacity in Omkareshwar on Narmada River. This, among hundreds of solar initiatives, speaks volumes for the commitment of the state toward renewable energy.
Finance and Project Development
The Rewa solar plant is important because it marked the first World Bank Clean Technology Fund-funded solar project in India. It became a joint venture between Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam and the Solar Energy Corporation of India, with both parties on an equal footing, sharing an equal 50% share. The government sanctioned 275 hectares of land in the Badhwar village of Rewa in June 2014. The project received formal approval from the government in April 2015.
The subsequent additions involved 981 acres of land in various villages and resulted in barren land grants to the project by 2018-19. This not only helps in producing energy but also promotes the proper use of lands.
Solar Parks and Future Hopes
Among the solar projects under the Union government’s 2014 Solar Park Scheme is the Rewa plant, which seeks to develop capacities of over 500 MW at designated solar parks. The Rewa solar project has made India the leader in the world in terms of development in solar energy, as half of the ten largest solar projects in the world are found in India.
The Harvard case study suggests that India has about 467,000 square meters of fallow land area in existence that can be used to create a solar farm. This would go a long way to improving the renewable energy capacity in the country.
Conclusion
The Rewa ultra-mega solar power plant is, in itself, a symbol of the Indian progress that the renewable energy sector will keep achieving. Large-scale solar projects are indeed possible and economically sound. Further, as the nation continues harnessing its solar potential, the Rewa facility is a model for future projects-a sustainable energy future.
Source: Government of Madhya Pradesh