Massive solar plant boosts clean power
Gorbea Solar Push Strengthens India’s Renewable Path: The Gorbea Solar Project, inaugurated in July 2025 by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, marks a major leap in India’s green energy drive. Located in Bikaner, Rajasthan, this 435 MW plant was completed in just eight months.
Built across 1,250 acres, the project operates under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). The plant can power 1.28 lakh households and will cut 7.05 lakh tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
Rajasthan leads India’s solar growth
Rajasthan now generates around 70% of its electricity from renewable sources. Its total renewable energy capacity stands at 35.4 GW, with 29.5 GW from solar and 5.2 GW from wind.
Static GK fact: Rajasthan ranks first among Indian states in installed solar capacity.
To boost its leadership, the state introduced the Integrated Clean Energy Policy and Green Hydrogen Policy in 2024, aiming to attract investment and scale sustainable energy projects.
Economic and environmental benefits
The Gorbea project is not just about power—it also creates local jobs and improves farmer incomes. It generates 755 GWh of clean electricity annually, reducing dependency on coal and other fossil fuels.
This aligns with India’s national goal to achieve 50% non-fossil fuel power capacity before 2030 under its international climate commitments.
Technology innovation sets a new standard
The plant uses Topcon Bifacial Mono PERC panels, which absorb sunlight from both sides for higher efficiency. Over 1,300 robotic units clean the panels regularly to ensure optimal performance.
Minister Pralhad Joshi highlighted future technologies like perovskite tandem solar cells, known for their high efficiency. Rajasthan’s high solar irradiance makes it ideal for such experimental projects.
Static GK Tip: Perovskite solar cells are a next-gen solar tech gaining global attention for their cost-effective performance.
Central schemes and big investments
Under the PM-KUSUM scheme, Rajasthan has deployed over 1.45 lakh solar pumps for farmers. In urban zones, 49,000+ rooftop solar systems were installed under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar initiative, with over ₹325 crore in subsidies disbursed.
Despite this, many rooftop applications are still pending, indicating the need for faster implementation and better public outreach.
Rajasthan has attracted proposals worth ₹6.57 lakh crore, with a large share focused on renewable energy and green hydrogen, reinforcing its role as India’s renewable capital.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Gorbea Solar Push Strengthens India’s Renewable Path:
| Topic | Detail |
| Location of Gorbea Project | Bikaner, Rajasthan |
| Installed Capacity | 435 MW |
| Annual Carbon Savings | 705,000 tonnes |
| Area Covered | 1,250 acres |
| Technology Used | Topcon Bifacial Mono PERC |
| Annual Power Output | 755 GWh |
| Solar Capacity in Rajasthan | 29.5 GW |
| Rooftop Solar Subsidy Given | ₹325 crore |
| Solar Pumps Installed | 1.45 lakh |
| Renewable Investment Proposals | ₹6.57 lakh crore |
