The first thing that comes to mind is how many? Yes, there are many, in fact, enough to satisfy a considerable part of global energy demands. But we will only discuss the most important ones here. Since renewable energy is no longer a niche technology, almost every small and large nation across the world has embarked on a race to impress the world with the most spectacular solar energy projects of all types and let everyone know about the its true potential. There are some projects that need to satisfy the growing demand for energy following the rapid depletion of fossil fuels. Solar energy technology is now up to date and there are many projects across the world that are paving the way for future growth. Therefore, it is necessary to take a look at some of the world's largest and most spectacular projects and see what more can be done about them. Let's start:
● Longyangxia Dam Solar Park, China: This is located in Qinghai Province, China, and is currently one of the largest solar parks on the planet. It extends over 27 square kilometers. Its daily production measures approx. 850MW. It is a fact that China is the biggest polluter in the world, this solar energy park proves that it is capable of changing, in addition to pollution, it can also capture enough clean energy from the closest star to our galaxy. It currently powers approx. 200,000 homes for now.
Figure 1: Longyangxia Dam Solar Park, China
● Cochin International Airport, India: Not many know that Cochin is one of the busiest airports in India. It is also one of the first airports in the world that runs exclusively on solar energy. Not only is it a 100 percent clean energy project, it is also considered to return energy to the electrical grid. This is located on a real wasteland next to one of the airport terminals, it was one of the longest projects in history and the best thing is that it is finally paying off.
Figure 2: Cochin International Airport
● Solar Estrela, California: Located in Rosemund, California is not only the largest solar farm in the US in terms of capacity. It is also one of the largest solar installations in the country. Spread over an area of 13 square kilometers, it produces 579 MW. It is just a step up from the second largest solar farm in the United States, the Topaz Solar Farm, which produces 550 MW.
Figure 3: Star Solar, California
● Cycle path with solar panel, Netherlands: When Holland came up with this first cycle path in 2014 it was met with much applause and success. It inspired everyone else so much that France finally planned to build complete solar roads that could supply up to 8% of the entire nation's energy needs. Japan is taking a similar approach, but instead of applying it to roads, it is implementing this system for water and formulating the largest floating solar panel on the planet. Interesting and inspiring, isn't it?
Figure 4: Solar Energy Road, Netherlands
● “Tindo” Solar Bus, Australia: Almost 5 years ago, Adelaide, South Australia, put into operation its first fully solar-powered public transport bus. Named “Tindo”, another synonym for Sun, it is capable of traveling up to 200 kilometers before needing to be recharged. It recharges at the base of the Adelaide Central Bus Station. It is also known for offering air conditioning and free Wi-Fi and can accommodate up to 40 passengers.
Fig. 5: “Tindo” Solar Bus, Australia
● Upper base of the solar energy corridor in Datong, China: Upon completing the 1st phase it was capable of generating 1 GW and upon completing 3 phases it was capable of producing 3GW. It also has the potential to become the largest solar power plant in the world when it reaches its final phase. If you believed government statistics released in 2017, this generated 870 million watts of power equal to 120 million watts of power per month. The most beautiful thing is in the shape of the cutest animal in the world – a panda.
Fig. 6: Datong Upper Solar Power Base, China
● Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park, India: Commissioned at Kurnool Ultra Solar Park, this park is capable of generating 900-1000 MW and has been in operation for over a year. It dominates the 648 MW park developed by the Adani Group in Tamil Nadu and also the Topaz Solar Park located in California.
Figure 7: Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park, India
● Canal Solar Power Project, Gujarat, India: One of the most ingenious projects in the world, yours kills two birds with one stone. Started as a pilot project, these solar panels are strategically placed over the canals. This not only provides the necessary energy, but also saves millions and millions of gallons of water due to evaporation every year. One of the most intriguing projects, it combats energy and water shortages in the smartest way possible.
Fig. 8: Canal Solar Power Project, Gujarat, India
● Tokelau Renewable Energy Project : Speaking of countries, it is one of the first nations in the world completely powered by solar energy. Operational since 2012, this project meets all the energy needs of 1,500 residents of this country located on three atolls. There was a time when this country was completely dependent on diesel. This solar project has made Tokelau a completely diesel-free nation. This project was so successful that the neighboring island of Ta'u introduced a similar project in 2016, removing 2.5 million pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually. These island nations are one of the first major benefactors of solar-only countries.
Fig. 9: Tokelau Renewable Energy Project
● Solar Impulse: The brainchild of Swiss engineer Andre Borschberg and Swiss aeronaut Bertrand Piccard, it took to the skies in late 2009. Their subsequent project, Solar Impulse 2, completed its trip around the world in July 2016. These planes They are proof that air travel is possible with solar energy. Imagine how much fuel you can save annually.
Fig. 10: Solar Impulse 2 wandering the world
● Karnataca: Last but not the least, this was recently launched in Tumakuru district of Karnataka and is an investment worth Rs. 16,500 million. It is a 2000 MW park called “Shakti Sthala” and is spread over an area of 13,000 acres in 5 villages. The development of the park depends on the Karnataka Solar Power Development Corp. mention will be one of the largest solar energy projects in the world.
Figure 11: Shakti Sthala
However, this is not the whole story. Solar energy is not just about restoring energy balance in the world. There are several other forms of renewable energy that are helping to meet energy needs and overcome the craze for non-renewable energy resources. This includes wind energy, hydropower, geothermal energy and so on. This revolution is gaining momentum around the world and in a few years , perishable energy sources will be a thing of the past. So let's come together and start preparing for a future that is cleaner, non-perishable and full of possibilities for us and generations to come. We will probably leave a better world for our children than the one they were born into.
