Overview
Raghawa GAIL is a 5 MW operational solar PV facility located in Rajasthan, India. It contributes to India's renewable energy capacity under national solar targets.
Raghawa GAIL is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant with a capacity of 5 MW, located in the Raghawa area of Rajasthan, India. The facility is operational and plays a role in the region's renewable energy generation. As a small-to-medium scale solar installation, it aligns with India's ambitious renewable energy goals, particularly the target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. The plant operates under India's national solar mission and benefits from policies such as the Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) and grid connectivity frameworks. Solar PV technology is well-suited to Rajasthan's high solar irradiance, making the facility a typical example of distributed solar generation in the state. The 5 MW capacity places it in the small-scale category for utility solar projects in India. Environmentally, the facility contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based electricity. Solar PV plants have minimal water consumption and low operational emissions. The site's location in an arid region minimizes land-use conflicts, though large-scale solar farms can impact local ecosystems. Overall, Raghawa GAIL supports India's energy transition and grid decarbonization efforts.
Environmental context
Rajasthan's arid climate and high solar irradiance make it ideal for solar PV generation, but large installations can affect local desert ecosystems and wildlife. Solar farms require significant land area, potentially altering natural habitats. However, the 5 MW scale of Raghawa GAIL is relatively small, reducing land-use pressure. The facility's operation displaces fossil fuel electricity, contributing to lower air pollution and carbon emissions in the region.
Frequently asked questions
Raghawa GAIL is located in the Raghawa area of Rajasthan, India, at coordinates 27.384 N, 70.563 E.
The Raghawa GAIL solar plant has a capacity of 5 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale solar PV facility.
The operator of Raghawa GAIL is not publicly specified, but the plant is owned by GAIL (India) Limited, a state-owned natural gas processing and distribution company.
India's solar mission and Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) mandate that utilities source a portion of power from renewables. The country targets 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, supported by grid connectivity and feed-in tariffs.
By generating 5 MW of solar power, Raghawa GAIL displaces fossil fuel electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Solar PV has low water use and operational emissions, supporting India's climate goals.