Where is the India solar canal?
The India Solar Canal Project, also known as the Solar Power-Green Energy Corridor (Solar Canal) project, is an innovative initiative undertaken by the Government of India to promote renewable energy generation and efficient use of land and water resources.
The project involves installing solar panels on the top of canals to generate electricity. By utilizing the canal space for solar power generation, the project aims to address two critical challenges faced by India: land scarcity and water conservation. It aims to make use of the vast canal network across the country to generate clean energy while reducing water evaporation from the canals.
The idea behind the project is to maximize land utilization by utilizing the water surface of canals for solar power generation. The solar panels are mounted on specially designed structures that are elevated above the canal's surface, allowing water to flow freely beneath them. This approach helps in conserving land and reducing the environmental impact associated with traditional ground-mounted solar installations.
The project was first piloted in the Indian state of Gujarat in 2012, where solar panels were installed on a canal stretch. It proved to be successful, and the concept gained recognition and support from the Indian government. Subsequently, the project was expanded to other states, including Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala.
The India Solar Canal Project has several benefits. It helps in increasing India's renewable energy capacity, reduces the reliance on fossil fuels, and contributes to the country's climate change mitigation efforts. Additionally, it provides dual benefits by generating solar energy and preventing water loss through evaporation from the canals.
By combining infrastructure for solar power generation with water management systems, the India Solar Canal Project showcases the potential for innovative solutions that integrate renewable energy and sustainable resource utilization.
India's Solar Canal is 1K Long But Will Be Expanding to 19K