Adani's solar energy operations
Solar energy is a renewable resource which remains renewable until the sun sets. It plays a major role in generating green electricity but water has an important role in cleaning solar modules. Cleaning solar panels is essential for efficient power generation. In its efforts to make green electricity generation sustainable, Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL), is focusing on reducing the water footprint of its solar portfolio by introducing advanced technologies.
Adani Green is now using water-free robotic cleaning systems to reduce water consumption for solar module maintenance. AGEN plans to implement it at its operations solar, hybrid sites (solar capacity of hybrid) and its future projects, especially in dry areas like Kutch in Rajasthan and Gujarat, where renewable water sources are scarce. Its use will reduce water usage for solar module maintenance to zero.
Presently, robotic cleaning technology has already been adopted in 30% of AGEN’s operational solar and hybrid plants i.e. 2,070 MW (solar + solar component of hybrid plants) out of 7,043 MW. This will save 283 million liters of water annually, which is equivalent to the water requirement of 2.7 million households every year.
AGEAL is likely to sign a deal worth US$0.80 million with an Israeli firm for the supply and installation of robots. This order will be for a 150 MW under-construction site at Phalodi near Jodhpur. Installation work has started in the hybrid plant in Jaisalmer.
During the announcement of H1FY24, Adani Green Energy CEO, Amit Singh said “In line with India’s decarbonization goals, we are committed to delivering more than 45 GW by 2030. Adani Green has the largest operating renewable The portfolio amounts to 8.4 GW of capacity in India. We are enhancing our development capabilities as we prepare for the next phase of our growth.”
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Over the past few years, AGEN has hired robots to deal with dust accumulation on solar panels and modules. These robots use water-free technology that is eco-friendly and increases the energy output of solar panels. In view of the growing concerns over the depletion of freshwater resources, AGEL is carrying out a number of water management activities in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 on sustainable management of water.
