Rajasthan: 435 MW solar plant built in eight months, will reduce 705,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions

India has now achieved 50 per cent of its total installed power capacity from non-fossil sources, five years ahead of the 2030 deadline
Rajasthan: 435 MW solar plant built in eight months, will reduce 705,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions
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Summary
  • The Gorbea Solar Power Project in Rajasthan, inaugurated by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, is a landmark achievement in renewable energy.

  • Built in just eight months, the 435 MW plant will prevent 705,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, powering 128,000 households.

  • This project exemplifies India's commitment to sustainable energy and economic growth, enhancing local employment and environmental sustainability.

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi inaugurated the 435 MW Gorbea Solar Power Project developed by Zelestra India in Nokha, Bikaner district on July 19, 2025.

The Gorbea Solar Power Project, which was completed in less than eight months, is spread over 1,250 acres (505.8571 hectares) and has a 25-year power purchase agreement with the Solar Energy Corporation of India.

About 70 per cent of Rajasthan’s total power capacity now comes from renewable energy, including an installed capacity of over 35.4 GW, Joshi said. Of this, 29.5 GW comes from solar power and 5.2 GW from wind power.

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Rajasthan: 435 MW solar plant built in eight months, will reduce 705,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions

Joshi described the Gorbea project as a shining example of what can be achieved with visionary leadership and sincere intentions. “With every megawatt we are building not just electricity, but a new India,” he said. He further added that the project reflects the speed and scale of change.

The project is being described as important for farmers’ income, local employment, and environmental sustainability.

According to media reports, the Gorbea project will produce 755 gigawatt-hours of clean electricity annually, which will meet the needs of about 128,000 households. Along with this, about 705,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions will be prevented every year.

The solar project is equipped with the latest Topcon Bifacial Mono PERC solar panels that generate electricity by receiving light from both sides. In addition, more than 1,300 robotic units have been used for cleaning and maintenance, which maintains the efficiency of the modules.

Joshi described it as a “world-class facility” and called for adoption of this technology in other parts of India as well.

The minister recalled his recent visit to IIT Bombay, where work is underway on perovskite tandem solar cells. This technology can provide much higher energy efficiency than conventional modules. He advised Zelestra and the Rajasthan government to initiate pilot projects on this emerging technology to open up new possibilities for power generation in places with high irradiance potential like Rajasthan.

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Rajasthan: 435 MW solar plant built in eight months, will reduce 705,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions

The state has implemented the Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024 and its Green Hydrogen Policy is also in operation. Last year, investment proposals worth more than Rs 6.57 lakh crore were signed in Rajasthan, most of them related to renewable energy and green hydrogen.

More than 49,000 rooftop solar systems have been installed in Rajasthan so far under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar free electricity scheme, on which subsidy of more than Rs 325 crore has been distributed. However, more than 270,000 applications are still pending.

Similarly, more than 145,000 solar pumps have been installed under the PM-KUSUM scheme, providing farmers renewable and affordable energy for irrigation.

“India has now achieved 50 per cent of its total installed power capacity from non-fossil sources that too five years ahead of the 2030 deadline. This achievement further strengthens India’s role in climate commitments and global stability,” Joshi said.

The minister also said that now is the time to give priority to wind-solar hybrid projects. Rajasthan has 284 GW of untapped wind energy potential, proper utilisation of which can further strengthen India’s energy security.

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