Solar power is gradually becoming the fastest-growing source of renewable energy in the world. Its adoption in several countries has accelerated its demand, resulting in a decline in cost and redefining the energy mix.
Thus far, the largest solar farms in the world are:
- Bahdla solar park: the solar park is considered the largest in the world. Bahdla solar plant is located in India with an installed capacity of 2.25GW, and it covers an area of 14,000 acres. Currently, 10 per cent of the state’s total energy consumption comes from the park.
- Huanghe Hydropower Hainan Solar Park: this solar park is the second largest in the world. It is situated in a secluded district in China – Qinghai. Huanghe plant has an installed capacity of 2.2GW. The plant is connected to an ultra-high voltage power line designed to connect the country’s far Northwestern part to the more densely populated eastern provinces.
- Shakti Sthala solar power project: the solar plant has an installed capacity of 2GW and spans over 13,000 acres of land. The facility comprises eight segments of PV installations, and the rated capacity of each is 250MW.
In Africa, countries are endowed with renewable energy resources – particularly in the form of solar energy. The solar potential in Africa can guarantee energy security. The continent’s growing population and rapid urbanisation have meant that identifying solutions to the deficiency in electricity access is imperative.
Government policies, private and public investors should revolve around diversifying the energy mix around utilities to promote the growth of the African economy.