- Fastest such greenfield solar capacity addition in India’s renewable sector
- Construction curve is aligned to the plan of developing 30 GW at Khavda over the next 5 years
- Plant will be entirely covered with waterless robotic module cleaning systems
- ~81 billion units will be generated powering over 16 million homes annually in India (nearly equivalent to the number of homes in the entire country of Poland, Canada); the energy output can power entire nations such as Belgium, Chile, Switzerland
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, MARCH 11
Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL), India’s largest and one of the world’s leading renewable energy (RE) companies, has on Monday operationalized cumulative capacity of 1,000 MW solar energy at the world’s largest RE park at Khavda, Gujarat. With this, AGEL has achieved operational capacity of 9,478 MW and continues its journey to the stated goal of 45,000 MW by 2030.
AGEL delivered 1,000 MW in less than 12 months of commencing work at Khavda. This involved installing approximately 2.4 million solar modules. The accelerated progress underscores AGEL’s commitment to India’s goal of achieving 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
The world’s largest RE plant of 30 GW spans a staggering 538 sq km of barren land, five times the size of Paris. The project is expected to be completed in the next five years and will create over 15,200 green jobs.
Leveraging the proven project execution capabilities of Adani Infra, technological expertise of Adani New Industries Limited (ANIL), operational excellence of AIMSL, robust supply chain, AGEL is set to replicate its success in building and operating India’s first and the world’s largest wind-solar hybrid cluster at Jaisalmer.
Innovative solutions are being deployed at Khavda to integrate sustainable practices. AGEL has committed to deploy waterless cleaning robots for the entire solar capacity to address dust accumulation on panels to increase the energy output and help conserve water in the arid Kutch region. This will enable AGEL’s water neutrality goals aligned to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6.
The Khavda plant is a testament to AGEL’s sustainable progress and unwavering resolve to accelerate India’s clean energy transition and enhance social and natural capital in the region.
The world’s largest renewable energy park
AGEL, with the support of its strategic ecosystem of vendors, is developing the world’s largest renewable energy project on barren land at Khavda in Kutch, Gujarat. Built across 538 sq km, it is five times the size of Paris and almost as large as Mumbai city. Once complete, it will be the planet’s largest power plant regardless of the energy source.
Ideal location to harness wind and solar resources
The region witnesses ~2,060 kWh/m2 of high solar irradiation and one of the best wind resources in India, with speeds of ~8 meters per second.
Preparing the turf
Over the last 5 years, Adani Green conducted geotechnical investigations, seismic studies, a centrifuge study by Cambridge, resource assessment and land studies, Environment and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD), and a detailed feasibility study, amongst several others, before embarking on the development of this site.
Desert oasis
The comprehensive infrastructure development effort included the construction of ~100 km roads, 50 km of drainage, establishment of desalination and 3 reverse osmosis (RO) plants with a total capacity of 70 cubic meter per hour to meet the drinking water requirements of the project staff, laying optical fiber cables for 180 km for connectivity, and concrete batching plants. In addition, a township has been created to accommodate over 8,000 staff and workers, equipped with medical facilities, a shopping complex for daily necessities, banking services and leisure activities.
Marching ahead with speed: De-risked growth and development
The development of such a giga-scale project at an accelerated pace necessitates combining the collective strength and expertise of specialized partners within the Adani portfolio and outside. It is a testament to the full-scale contribution by Adani portfolio companies such as:
- Supply of largest onshore wind turbine manufactured by Adani New Industries
- Transmission network developed by Adani Energy Solutions
- Solar trackers from Jash Energy
- Cement and concrete from ACC and Ambuja Cements
- Logistic solutions from Adani Ports and SEZ
- Project execution, assurance, and management by Adani Infra
- Digitally enabled operations by Adani Infrastructure Management Solutions Limited (AIMSL)
- Adani utility portfolio’s globally recognized Energy Network Operation Centre (ENOC)
Our indigenous supply chains and strong vendor networks are also helping to bring the world’s largest RE plant to fruition.
Leveraging technology
The plant will be equipped with cutting-edge technology: India’s largest onshore wind turbine generator of 5.2 MW capacity, bifacial solar PV modules (which generate energy from both sides of the module), and horizontal single-axis tracker systems (which track the sun to collect more energy). Further, it will leverage Adani’s state-of-the-art Energy Network Operation Centre (ENOC) platform with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning integration to enable real-time automated operation and monitoring of the plant.
Innovations to address terrain challenges
AGEL’s execution partner Adani Infra is developing several innovative solutions that are being piloted at Khavda. For example: to address the unique soil strata, Adani Infra deployed underground stone columns to enhance the soil strength that was developed with global collaboration with involvement both domestic & international institutions of higher learning. Specialised corrosion resistant coatings are being used for solar module mounting structures and switchyard equipment for long-term protection of the plant and equipment in the highly corrosive environment.
Focus on sustainable development
AGEL is actively engaged in community development initiatives across several villages, focusing on education, health, women empowerment, water conservation, and enhancing community infrastructure as part of its ESG efforts. This demonstrates AGEL’s holistic commitment to enhancing the social and natural capital in the region.
India is shaping the global dialogue on sustainable energy future. AGEL and its specialized partners within Adani Portfolio are at the forefront of delivering the global energy transition and paving the way for enhancing & protecting our environment.
