Suriyakheda 1 Solar PV Plant, India - 20 MW Operational Facility

Suriyakheda 1 is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in India, with a capacity of 20 megawatts (MW). The facility is operational and represents a medium-scale solar installation within the Indian renewable energy landscape. Its location near the coordinates 24.0480° N, 75.3470° E places it in the state of Madhya Pradesh, a region with high solar irradiance suitable for solar power generation. 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 has set an ambitious goal of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, and solar PV is a key technology driving this transition. The 20 MW capacity of Suriyakheda 1 is typical for utility-scale solar projects in the region, contributing to grid stability and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Environmentally, the plant displaces greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to thousands of tonnes of CO2 annually, supporting India's climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. Solar PV installations like Suriyakheda 1 have minimal water consumption and low operational emissions, though they require land use and can impact local ecosystems. The facility's location in a semi-arid region minimizes conflicts with agriculture, and its operation supports local energy security and economic development.

The Suriyakheda 1 solar PV plant is located in a semi-arid region of Madhya Pradesh, India, characterized by high solar insolation and low rainfall. Solar installations in such areas typically have low water usage and minimal air emissions, but land use for solar farms can affect local flora and fauna. The region's biodiversity includes dry deciduous forests and scrublands, and careful siting can mitigate habitat disruption. Grid integration of solar power in India faces challenges due to variability, but the plant's capacity is manageable within the regional grid.