Overview
Garacharma Solar Power Plant is a 5 MW solar PV facility in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Operated by NTPC Limited, it supports the region's renewable energy transition.
The Garacharma Solar Power Plant is a 5 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in Garacharma, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Owned and operated by National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited, it is one of the key solar installations in the island territory, contributing to the local grid with clean energy. As a solar PV plant, it converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor technology. With a capacity of 5 MW, it falls into the small-scale category for utility solar in India. The plant operates under India's national renewable energy framework, including the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission and state-level renewable purchase obligations, which aim to increase solar capacity across the country. The facility plays a vital role in reducing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands' dependence on diesel-based power generation, improving energy security and lowering carbon emissions. Its location in a remote island region highlights the importance of decentralized renewable energy for off-grid and island communities.
Environmental context
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are ecologically sensitive with rich biodiversity, including tropical forests and coral reefs. Solar PV installations like Garacharma have minimal land-use impact compared to fossil fuel plants, but require careful siting to avoid habitat disruption. The plant's operation displaces diesel generation, reducing local air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, which is critical for preserving the islands' natural environment.
Frequently asked questions
Garacharma Solar Power Plant is located in Garacharma, on South Andaman Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India.
The plant has a capacity of 5 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale solar photovoltaic facility.
The plant is owned and operated by National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited, a central public sector undertaking under the Government of India.
India's solar power sector is supported by the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, which targets 100 GW of solar capacity by 2022, and state-level Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) that mandate a minimum share of renewable energy in the power mix.
By generating clean electricity, the plant reduces reliance on diesel generators, lowering local air pollution and carbon emissions in the ecologically sensitive Andaman and Nicobar Islands.