World's Largest Solar-Wind Hybrid Park Commissioned in Khavda, Gujarat
The 30 GW Khavda Renewable Energy Park in Gujarat, now fully commissioned, has become the world's largest solar-wind hybrid power facility. This monumental project, located in the Kutch district, is a critical step towards India's goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030, generating clean power for millions of homes and significantly reducing carbon emissions.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- The Khavda Renewable Energy Park in Gujarat is now fully commissioned, making it the world's largest solar-wind hybrid power facility.
- Located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, the park spans an expansive area of 72,000 hectares of wasteland.
- It boasts a total installed capacity of 30 Gigawatts (GW), combining both solar and wind energy generation.
- The project is a crucial component of India's national goal to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.
- Major developers involved include Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) and NTPC, operating under a public-private partnership model.
- The park is projected to generate enough clean energy to power approximately 20 million homes annually.
- It is estimated to offset around 50 million tonnes of CO2 emissions each year, significantly contributing to India's decarbonization efforts.
- Advanced technologies like bifacial solar panels and high-efficiency wind turbines are employed to maximize energy yield.
Why In News
The final phase of the Khavda Renewable Energy Park in Gujarat has been officially commissioned, solidifying its status as the world's largest solar-wind hybrid power facility. This milestone marks a significant step in India's ambitious journey towards achieving its 500 GW non-fossil fuel energy target by 2030, bringing a massive new source of clean energy online.
Syllabus Connection
This news connects to India's energy security, sustainable development goals, and the role of large-scale renewable energy projects and public-private partnerships in achieving national climate commitments and economic growth.
Prelims vs Mains — What to Focus On
| Aspect | Prelims | Mains |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | World's largest solar-wind hybrid park. | Exemplifies India's commitment to renewable energy and climate goals. |
| Where located? | Khavda, Kutch district, Gujarat. | Strategic location for optimal solar and wind resource utilization. |
| Capacity? | 30 Gigawatts (GW). | Significant contribution to India's 500 GW non-fossil fuel target. |
| Significance? | Powers 20 million homes, offsets 50 million tonnes CO2. | Boosts energy security, reduces carbon footprint, fosters green economy. |
| Key Developers? | Adani Green Energy, NTPC. | Highlights role of public-private partnerships in large infrastructure. |
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | Medium | 2–4 | Budget highlights, GDP data, and government economic schemes appear in SSC CGL GK section. |
| UPSC / State PCS | High | 10–20 | Economy is a core UPSC subject. Economic Survey, budget, and policy changes are heavily tested. |
| State PCS / PSC | High | 4–8 | State budget, MSME, agriculture policy, and banking data are common in state PCS papers. |
| Railway (RRB NTPC / Group D) | Medium | 2–3 | Railway papers focus on budget allocations, flagship schemes, and GDP milestones. |
Key Facts to Remember: World's Largest Solar-Wind Hybrid Park Commissioned in Khavda, Gujarat
- The Khavda Renewable Energy Park in Gujarat is now fully commissioned, making it the world's largest solar-wind hybrid power facility.
- Located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, the park spans an expansive area of 72,000 hectares of wasteland.
- It boasts a total installed capacity of 30 Gigawatts (GW), combining both solar and wind energy generation.
- The project is a crucial component of India's national goal to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.
- Major developers involved include Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) and NTPC, operating under a public-private partnership model.
- The park is projected to generate enough clean energy to power approximately 20 million homes annually.
- It is estimated to offset around 50 million tonnes of CO2 emissions each year, significantly contributing to India's decarbonization efforts.
- Advanced technologies like bifacial solar panels and high-efficiency wind turbines are employed to maximize energy yield.
Practice Questions
Q1. The Khavda Renewable Energy Park, recently fully commissioned, is located in which Indian state?
- Rajasthan
- Gujarat
- Maharashtra
- Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: The Khavda Renewable Energy Park, recognized as the world's largest solar-wind hybrid facility, is situated in the Kutch district of Gujarat. Its strategic location leverages the state's abundant solar radiation and wind resources.
Q2. What is the total installed capacity of the Khavda Renewable Energy Park?
- 15 GW
- 20 GW
- 25 GW
- 30 GW
Explanation: The Khavda Renewable Energy Park has a massive installed capacity of 30 Gigawatts (GW), making it a cornerstone of India's renewable energy expansion. This capacity combines both solar photovoltaic and wind power generation.
Q3. The Khavda Renewable Energy Park is significant for being the world's largest facility of what specific type?
- Offshore Wind Park
- Concentrated Solar Power Plant
- Solar-Wind Hybrid Power Park
- Geothermal Power Plant
Explanation: The Khavda project distinguishes itself by integrating both solar and wind power generation on an unprecedented scale, making it the world's largest solar-wind hybrid renewable energy park. This hybrid approach allows for more consistent power output.
Q4. Which of the following is a key national target that the Khavda Renewable Energy Park contributes significantly to?
- Achieving 100% rural electrification by 2025
- Reaching 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030
- Becoming a net-zero carbon emitter by 2040
- Doubling farmers' income by 2022
Explanation: India has set an ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030, a commitment reiterated at COP26. The 30 GW Khavda park is a major step towards realizing this national objective.
Q5. Approximately how many million tonnes of CO2 emissions is the Khavda Renewable Energy Park expected to offset annually?
- 10 million tonnes
- 25 million tonnes
- 50 million tonnes
- 75 million tonnes
Explanation: The Khavda Renewable Energy Park is projected to offset a substantial 50 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. This significant reduction underscores its role in India's climate change mitigation efforts and transition to a greener economy.
How to Prepare Economy & Finance for Government Exams — World's Largest Solar-Wind Hybrid Park Commission…
Track current Repo Rate, Inflation rate, and GDP growth. These three numbers appear in almost every banking exam.
Keep a running note of new schemes with their ministry, launch date, and target beneficiary group.
Focus on the Economic Survey and Union Budget highlights — these single documents generate dozens of exam questions.
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