Overview
Manamunda is a 20 MW operational solar PV facility in India, contributing to the country's renewable energy capacity under national solar targets.
Manamunda is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in India, with an operational capacity of 20 megawatts. The facility is situated at coordinates 20.783°N, 83.891°E, in the state of Odisha, near the town of Manamunda. As a solar PV installation, it converts sunlight directly into electricity, supporting India's growing renewable energy portfolio. The plant operates under India's national renewable energy framework, which includes targets under the National Solar Mission and state-level Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs). India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, with solar playing a key role. The 20 MW scale places Manamunda in the small-to-medium category for utility-scale solar projects in India, which often range from 5 MW to over 100 MW. Environmentally, the facility contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based power generation. Solar PV plants have minimal water consumption and low operational emissions, though they require land for panel installation. The plant's location in Odisha benefits from high solar insolation, typical of the region, and supports local grid stability by feeding clean energy into the state's power network.
Environmental context
The Manamunda solar PV plant is located in a region with high solar irradiance, typical of eastern India. Solar energy generation avoids air pollution and water consumption associated with thermal power plants. However, large-scale solar installations can impact land use and local ecosystems. In this area, the plant occupies land that may have previously been agricultural or fallow, requiring careful site selection to minimize ecological disruption. The facility's operation supports India's climate goals by reducing reliance on coal-fired power.
Frequently asked questions
The Manamunda solar PV plant is located in Odisha, India, near the town of Manamunda, at coordinates 20.783°N, 83.891°E.
The Manamunda solar plant has an installed capacity of 20 megawatts (MW), making it a small-to-medium scale utility solar installation.
The operator of the Manamunda solar plant is not publicly listed, but it is operational and contributes to India's renewable energy grid under the national solar mission.
India's solar energy sector is supported by the National Solar Mission, state-level Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs), and targets to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. The government also offers incentives like accelerated depreciation and viability gap funding.
The Manamunda solar plant generates clean electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution compared to fossil fuel plants. It also consumes minimal water, helping conserve local water resources in Odisha.