Zelestra has held a celebration to mark the start of full commercial operations at the 435MWdc Gorbea solar plant in India.
The solar farm in the state of Rajasthan will generate 755GWh of clean energy per year, backed by a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI).
The amount of energy generated annually will be enough to power the equivalent of 128,000 Indian households.
Delivered in under eight months, the Gorbea project supported more than 800 jobs during its construction phase.
Pralhad Joshi, union minister of new and renewable energy, led the official inauguration of the new plant at an event attended by local dignitaries and community representatives (pictured).
In his address, Joshi hailed the Gorbea plant as a “model project” for the energy sector that would significantly boost the country’s renewable energy production.
He emphasised the immense potential for renewable energy in Rajasthan, adding: “The sunlight here is not just light, but a ray of hope and self-reliance.”
The minister also directed that local young people be given priority in employment opportunities generated by the project.
Zelestra India chief executive Sajay KV said he was delighted to welcome the minister to Gorbea to celebrate the project’s success.
He added: “Gorbea showcases our ability to engineer execution-focused solutions and deliver major projects ahead of time and below budget.
“Thanks to SECI’s commitment to clean energy, Gorbea has already delivered many economic and social benefits.
“Over the next 25-plus years, Gorbea will be delivering a positive impact to the environment and supporting the energy transition underway across India.”