Promoting solar energy in IndiaThe Solar Thermal Power Plant by Godawari Green Energy Limited has a capacity of 50 MW and is thereby the largest plant of its kind in India. The project activity reduces the emission intensity in the regional grid (NEWNE) which is dominated by power generated from fossil fuels. By using state-of-the-art parabolic trough technology, an annual amount of more than 118 GWh net electricity is delivered to the grid. The project was commissioned in June 2013 and is operational since then. The project in place is the first-of-its-kind thermal solar power plant in India, functioning as a best-practice for this innovative technology. It promotes the application of solar energy based power generation investments and encourages further investors in promoting renewable power generation technologies. Besides the reduction in GHG emissions, the project leads to social well-being by creating employment during construction and operation stages of the project.
How does solar energy contribute to climate action?Although the development of renewable energy sources is increasing, energy from fossil fuels is still a significant part of energy production worldwide. This is associated with the release of large amounts of carbon emissions. The use of solar energy is a good way to provide people around the world with renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Solar installations, implemented through solar projects, convert sunlight into electricity (photovoltaic) or heat (solar thermal). Even when the sky is cloudy, the solar thermal power plants generate heat and convert it into electricity. Photovoltaic projects use the photoelectric effect to convert sunlight into electricity.
The energy produced is typically fed into the national or regional power grid, reducing the share of fossil fuels in the electricity mix. In addition to reducing carbon emissions, solar projects also prevent the release of various pollutants associated with conventional power generation. Solar energy projects in the ClimatePartner portfolio are registered with international standards.
