Could Dholera Solar Plant dissipate some of Gujarat's Power Woes

Dholera Solar Park

Gujarat is once again poised to set a record in terms of solar installations. The state which once trailblazed solar energy growth in India has now moved down in ranking owing to massive jumps made by the Indian states of Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

The state has now announced building a 5 GW Solar park in the special economic one of Dholera which is close to 80 km from the capital Ahmedabad. Once built the Dholera Solar Park will be the largest project not only in India but also in the world. A 200 MW wind park will also be built nearby.

The power generated by the plant could be also used to power Smart City Dholera SIR, which is the first smart city of India. Dholera is the first city in India, and probably in the world, to receive Platinum rating. Gujarat, a power surplus state, is currently facing a power crisis amidst Mundra thermal power plants woes. The coal plants are suffering from underutilization and low tariffs, amid increasing cost of imported coal. The state is now depending on central sources for power as its own power production is not sufficient to meet demand. In such crisis situation, this power plant comes as a sign of relief to the sun-scorched lands of Gujarat.