In this guide
Twenty years ago, Bhadla, in the desert north-west of Jodhpur, was known mainly for its sand, heat and dust storms. Today it is home to one of the largest solar parks in the world, with rows of panels stretching across tens of square kilometres. Bhadla is the symbol of a remarkable transformation: Rajasthan, a state once dependent on power from other states, has become India's leader in solar energy, and one of the most important places in the country's transition to clean power.
Why Rajasthan is ideal for solar and wind
| Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Solar radiation | Among the highest in India, with many clear sunny days a year |
| Land | Large tracts of barren or low-productivity land in the west |
| Low rainfall and cloud cover | Fewer interruptions |
| Wind | Strong winds in parts of Jaisalmer, Barmer and Jodhpur |
Solar energy
- Rajasthan has the largest installed solar capacity of any Indian state.
- Bhadla Solar Park (in the Phalodi region, earlier part of Jodhpur district) — with a capacity of over 2,000 MW — is among the world's largest.
- Other major solar zones: Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Barmer and Phalodi.
- Rooftop solar and solar pumps (under PM-KUSUM) are spreading among households and farmers.
Wind energy
- Major wind areas: Jaisalmer (including the Jaisalmer Wind Park at Bada Bagh), Barmer, Jodhpur, Pratapgarh and Chittorgarh.
- Hybrid solar–wind projects are being developed to use land and transmission lines more efficiently.
Conventional power
Thermal (coal)
| Plant | District |
|---|---|
| Suratgarh (including supercritical units) | Sri Ganganagar |
| Kota | Kota |
| Chhabra | Baran |
| Kalisindh | Jhalawar |
Lignite
| Plant | District |
|---|---|
| Giral | Barmer |
| Jalipa–Kapurdi (Rajwest) | Barmer |
| Barsingsar (NLC) | Bikaner |
Gas
| Plant | District |
|---|---|
| Dholpur | Dholpur |
| Ramgarh | Jaisalmer (using local natural gas) |
Nuclear power
- Rawatbhata (Chittorgarh), on the Chambal near Rana Pratap Sagar, houses the Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS).
- Its first unit (1970s) was built with Canadian collaboration; later units are indigenous pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs), including new 700 MW units.
- A nuclear power project has also been proposed at Mahi Banswara.
Hydroelectricity
Limited, because of scarce rivers:
- Chambal projects — Gandhi Sagar (MP), Rana Pratap Sagar, Jawahar Sagar;
- Mahi Bajaj Sagar (Banswara).
Green hydrogen and new energy
- Rajasthan issued a green hydrogen policy (2023) to attract projects that use solar and wind power to produce hydrogen.
- Battery storage and pumped storage are being planned to balance variable renewable power.
- Successive state renewable energy / clean energy policies have set ambitious capacity targets for 2030.
Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Power generated in the desert must be carried to distant consumers; green energy corridors are being built |
| Great Indian Bustard | Overhead power lines kill these critically endangered birds by collision; the Supreme Court has issued directions on undergrounding lines and bird diverters in priority habitats, balancing conservation with energy needs |
| Land | Conflicts over grazing lands (oran — sacred groves — and gochar) used by local communities |
| Water | Cleaning solar panels uses water in a water-scarce region |
| Discom finances | Distribution companies' losses; subsidised farm power |
| Local benefits | Ensuring jobs and revenue reach desert communities |
Practice
Prelims-style:
- Where is the Bhadla solar park?
- Where is Rajasthan's nuclear power station?
- Name two lignite-based power plants in Rajasthan.
- Which endangered bird is threatened by power lines in the Thar?
- Where is the Ramgarh gas-based power plant?
Mains-style (50 words): Why is western Rajasthan suited to solar power?
Mains-style (100 words): "Rajasthan's renewable energy growth must be balanced with ecological concerns." Discuss.
A note on dates and numbers. Exam patterns, vacancies and schedules change from year to year. Always confirm the current details in the latest notification on the Rajasthan Public Service Commission website .
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