In the salt deserts bordering Pakistan, India builds its largest renewable energy project
- Once completed, the project that is the size of Singapore will supply 30 gigawatts of renewable energy annually, enough to power nearly 18 million Indian homes
- While the project could inspire other developing countries, the lack of environmental impact assessments is a concern, analysts say
Rising from the bare expanse of the large salt desert that separates India from Pakistan is what is likely to be the world’s largest renewable energy project when completed three years from now.
The solar and wind energy project will be so big that it will be visible from space, according to developers of what is called the Khavda renewable energy park, named after the village nearest to the project site.
At the site, thousands of labourers install pillars on which solar panels will be mounted. The pillars rise like perfectly aligned concrete cactuses that stretch as far as the eye can see. Other workers are building foundations for enormous wind turbines to be installed; they also are transporting construction material, building substations and laying wires for miles.
When completed, the project will be about as large as Singapore, spreading out over 726 sq km (280 square miles). The Indian government estimates it will cost at least US$2.26 billion.
Shifting to renewable energy is a key issue at the ongoing Cop28 climate summit. Some leaders have voiced support for a target of tripling renewable energy worldwide in any final agreement while curbing use of coal, oil and natural gas, which spew planet-warming gases into the atmosphere.
