The need for renewable energy is imperative as we are running low on exhaustible options, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. These are also increasing the carbon footprint in the environment, leading to the increase of greenhouse gases. It’s why renewable energy sources need to be invested upon heavily.
Wind energy, solar energy, geothermal pressure, and the tidal power can be harnessed to provide energy as long as the Earth and our Sun exist. However, focusing wind, geothermal pressure, and tidal power can be tough and the arrangement can be very expensive (not to forget practicality).
Solar energy, on the other hand, can be collected in bulk easily through solar farms spread over areas less than 54 Km2. Unlike wind, solar energy is uninterruptible. It’s why we need huge solar farms that can generate unfathomable amounts of energy. Let’s look at the top 10 solar farms in the world.
Pavagada Solar Park, Karnataka — India
Pavagada Solar Park’s first phase was commissioned by Karnataka Solar Power Development Corporation Ltd on March 2, 2018. It is the largest planned solar farm in the world, spread over 53 km2 and shall deliver 2,000 MW by December 2018, when it is completed. Currently is supplies 600 MW as its first phase has been completed.
Tengger Desert Solar Park, Ningxia — China
Tengger Desert Solar Park covers 43 km2 and provides 1,500 MW of power. It is situated in Zhongwei, a prefecture-level city. Since Pavagada Solar Park is not complete yet, Tengger Desert Solar Park is the de-facto largest solar farm.
Kamuthi Solar Power Project, Tamil Nadu — India
The Adani Group green-flagged the Kamuthi Solar Power Station in February 2016. Unlike their Bitta Solar Farm, which produces only 40 MW, Adani Group planned big and established a 648 MW solar park over 10 km2.
Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park, Andhra Pradesh — India
Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park was completed on March 29, 2017. It was commissioned by Andhra Pradesh Solar Power Corporation Private Limited. The farm’s capacity is that of 900 MW.
Longyangxia Dam Solar Park, Qinghai — China
With 850 MW capacity, Longyangxia Dam Solar Park is the fourth biggest solar park in the world. It covers a total area of 27 square km2.
Solar Star, California — USA
BHE Renewables built the 579 MW solar farm — Solar Star in June 2015. Its area covers 13 km2 of Antelope Valley.
Topaz Solar Farm, California — USA
Topaz Solar Farm is another BHE Renewables solar farm. Its power capacity is 550 MW. Construction on this project began in November 2011 and it was completed in a span of 3 years in November 2014. The construction cost $2.4 billion.
Copper Mountain Solar Facility, Nevada — USA
Copper Mountain Solar Facility is owned by Sempra Generation who designed it to produce 552 MW of power. It has four units that supply power to different electricity companies, like Pacific Gas & Electrics, and Southern California Public Power Authority.
Desert Sunlight Solar Farm, California — USA
Desert Sunlight Solar Farm is situated in Riverside County, California, and offers a power capacity of 550 MW. It covers 16 km2 of the Mojave Desert.
Huanghe Hydropower Golmud Solar Park, Qinghai — China
Last but not the least, the Huanghe Hydropower Golmud Solar Park has a nameplate capacity of 200 MW. This project won the 2012 China Quality Power Project Award. Although it has a nameplate capacity of 200 MW, reports had indicated that an additional 300 MW were to be added in 2012. There have been no updates on its progress since then.
Don’t agree with the list? Let us know in the comments!
