The Gorbea Solar Power Project in Rajasthan was inaugurated in July 2025. It is a major milestone in India’s renewable energy journey. Built in under eight months, the 435 MW plant will supply clean electricity to 128,000 homes. It will also reduce carbon emissions by 705,000 tonnes annually. This project marks India’s push for sustainable growth and green energy leadership.
Project Overview
The Gorbea Solar Power Project covers 1,250 acres in Nokha, Bikaner district. Developed by Zelestra India, it has a 25-year power purchase agreement with the Solar Energy Corporation of India. The plant uses advanced Topcon Bifacial Mono PERC solar panels that capture sunlight from both sides. Over 1,300 robotic units maintain panel efficiency through automated cleaning. The project produces 755 gigawatt-hours of electricity yearly.
Significance for Rajasthan and India
Rajasthan now generates about 70% of its power from renewables, with 29.5 GW from solar and 5.2 GW from wind. Gorbea adds to this capacity and supports farmers through solar pumps under the PM-KUSUM scheme. It also boosts local employment and rural incomes. The project aligns with Rajasthan’s Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024 and Green Hydrogen Policy. Investments exceeding Rs 6.57 lakh crore have been made in renewable energy and green hydrogen in the state.
Technological Innovations
The project uses cutting-edge bifacial solar panels for higher energy yield. Robotics ensure continuous cleaning and maintenance, enhancing performance. The Union Minister brought into light the potential of perovskite tandem solar cells, under development at IIT Bombay, which promise even greater efficiency. Pilot projects on such emerging technologies are encouraged to exploit Rajasthan’s high solar irradiance.
India’s Renewable Energy Milestones
India has achieved 50% of its installed power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, five years ahead of the 2030 target. This progress strengthens India’s global climate commitments. The government plans to prioritise wind-solar hybrid projects to utilise Rajasthan’s 284 GW of untapped wind energy potential. The Gorbea project exemplifies the scale and speed of India’s renewable energy transformation.
Government Schemes and Impact
Under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar scheme, over 49,000 rooftop solar systems have been installed in Rajasthan with subsidies exceeding Rs 325 crore. However, more than 270,000 applications await approval. The PM-KUSUM scheme has facilitated installation of over 145,000 solar pumps for farmers, providing affordable and clean energy for irrigation. These initiatives complement large-scale projects like Gorbea to expand renewable energy access.
Questions for UPSC:
- Point out the role of renewable energy in India’s energy security and economic development.
- Critically analyse the impact of government schemes such as PM-KUSUM and Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar on rural electrification and sustainable agriculture.
- Estimate the challenges and opportunities in scaling up wind-solar hybrid projects in India’s renewable energy sector.
- What are the advantages of bifacial and perovskite tandem solar cells? How can emerging solar technologies transform India’s renewable energy landscape?
