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Top 10 Largest Solar Power Plants in the World

Last Updated : 01 Mar, 2024
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Discover the World’s largest solar power plant. Explore Solar power plant rankings 2024, including the Top 10 largest solar power plants in the world and by country. Learn about the Largest solar energy facilities and Top solar power projects worldwide, embracing the latest in Renewable energy solar power plants. Stay informed, make sustainable choices.

The top 10 Largest Solar Power Plants in the World are Bhadla Solar Park, Huanghe Hydropower Hainan Solar Park, Pavagada Solar Park, Benban Solar Park, Tengger Desert Park, Noor Abu Dabhi, Mohammed bin Rashid AI Maktoum Solar Park, Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Panel, Datong Solar Power Top Runner Base, and NP Kunta Ultra Mega Solar Park.

These largest solar power plants in the world comprise several nations that have come together with the common aim of reducing their carbon footprint and opting for sustainable alternatives to produce clean and efficient energy consumption. In this article, we will learn in detail about the top ten largest solar power plants worldwide.

In this article, we will explore the list of the top 10 largest solar power plants in the world, along with their capacity, and location.

Largest-Solar-Power-Plants-in-the-World

Largest Solar Power Plants in the World

What is a Solar Thermal Power Plant?

A Solar Thermal Power Plant is a type of electric-producing system that absorbs and concentrates sunlight to generate heat, which is subsequently converted into electricity. The two main parts of any solar thermal power system are a receiver and reflectors, sometimes known as mirrors, which gather and concentrate sunlight. To produce steam, the majority of solar thermal energy power systems heat and circulate a heat-transfer fluid inside the receiver. This steam is passed via a turbine to create mechanical energy, which powers an electricity-generating generator. The tracking feature of the solar thermal power systems makes sure that sunlight is directed towards the receiver even as the sun moves across the sky.

Also Read: List of 10 Largest Solar Power Plants in India

About the Largest Solar Power Plants in the World

The largest solar power plants in the world refer to some of the power plants that have been producing electricity for both domestic and industrial consumption for the past few decades. These power plants use varied methods and technology to convert the radiation from the sun, like photovoltaic power plants or solar power plants. These solar power plants use large semiconductor materials to capture sunlight and produce heat. The capacity to produce energy is calculated in terms of megawatts. Some of the largest solar power plants can produce energy for major industrial and metropolitan cities. Some of the largest solar power plants are situated in India (Bhadla Solar Park) as well as in China (Huanghe Hydropower Hainan Solar Park).

List of Top 10 Largest Solar Power Plants in the World

The list of the top 10 solar power plants is listed below:

Largest Solar Power Plants 2024

Ranking

World’s Largest Solar Power Plant

Location

Capacity of Energy Production (in MegaWatts)

1

Bhadla Solar Park

Rajasthan, India

2245 MW

2

Huanghe Hydropower Hainan Solar Park

Qinghai, China

2200 MW

3

Pavagada Solar Park

Karnataka, India

2050 MW

4

Benban Solar Park

Benban, Egypt

1650 MW

5

Tengger Desert Park

Ningia, China

1547 MW

6

Noor Abu Dabhi

Abu Dabhi, UAE

1177 MW

7

Mohammed bin Rashid AI Maktoum Solar Park

Saih Al-Dahal, UAE

1013 MW

8

Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Panel

Andhra Pradesh, India

1000 MW

9

Datong Solar Power Top Runner Base

Datong, China

1000 MW

10

NP Kunta Ultra Mega Solar Park

Andhra Pradesh, India

978.5 MW

Largest Solar Power Plants 2024 – Bhadla Solar Park

As of 2023, the largest solar power plant in the world is the Bhadla Solar Park, located in Rajasthan, India. It produces 2,245 megawatts of electricity. The power plant is located in an area covering 21.8 square miles in the Bhadla village of Jodhpur district. According to reports, the energy produced in this power plant can provide energy across major cities and districts. The power plant was completed in 2017 with a budget of more than 1.3 billion USD. The solar park includes the cooperation of some of the international energy companies, like Larsen and Toubro. The Bhadla Solar Park was an important part of India’s mission to meet the renewable energy target and produce clean and sustainable energy.

Second Largest Solar Power Plant in the World – Huanghe Hydropower Hainan Solar Park

The second largest solar power plant in the world is in Huanghe Hydropower Hainan Solar Park, China. Located in the Qinghai Province of China, this power plant generates 2,200 MW of energy. Built with a budget of 2.2 billion USD, the plant is spread across 5 phases and also aims to establish a wind energy project shortly. The Huanghe Hydropower Hainan Solar Power Park is thus a watermark in the sphere of energy production and development in China, producing renewable sources of energy in some of the most densely populated regions of China.

Third Largest Solar Power Plant in the World – The Pavagada Solar Park

The third largest solar power plant in the world is also located in India. The Pavagada Solar Park, located in Karnataka, is a collaboration between Karnataka Renewable Energy Development and Solar Energy Cooperation of India Limited. The power plant was established in 2015, spread across 13,000 acres, and generates up to 2.05 GW of energy.

Fourth Largest Solar Power Plant in the World – Benban Solar Park

The fourth largest solar power plant is located in Egypt in the Aswan Governorate. This is considered to be one of the largest solar projects in Africa, with a capacity of 1650 MW. The plant houses 41 solar power plants and is spread across 9000 acres of land. It has the capacity to provide electricity to 4,20,000 households, and the power plan was built by the state owned New and Renewable Authority (NREA). The Egyptian government has also incorporated this plant into the Sustainable Energy Strategy 2035 project.

Fifth Largest Solar Power Plant in the World – Tengger Desert Solar Park

Located in the Ningxia district of China, the Tengerr Desert solar park is spread across 1200km in the dessert. The plant produces 1547 MW of power and provides electricity to more than 6,00,000 homes. The plant was started in 2017 and was a joint collaboration between the China National Grid and Zhongwei Power Supply Company. The plant, also known as the Great Wall of Solar, aims to further expand its facilities to meet the growing energy needs of the nation.

Sixth Largest Solar Power Plant in the World – Noor Abu Dhabi

Noor Abu Dabhi, located in the UAE, is one of the largest single site power plants in the world and generates 1.17 GW of electricity, sufficient to fuel 90,000 homes and 200,000 cars. The plant is jointly owned by Abu Dabhi Energy National Company, Marubeni Corporation, and JinkoPower. The solar panels in this plant are 3.2 m in width and 6 sq km in size.

Seventh Largest Solar Power Plant in the World – Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Situated in the UAE, this power plant expands across 76km and has the capacity to produce up to 1.63 GW of power, sufficient to provide power to 270,000 homes. This plant is expanding its potential and aims to produce 75 percent of the city’s energy by 2050. The plant is owned by the Dubai electricity and water authority and is also a part of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 project.

Eight Largest Solar Power Plant in the World – Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Panel

Located in Andhra Pradesh, India, this power plant has a production capacity of about 1000 MW per year. Built under the collaboration of both the state and central government of India, the plant produces a significant amount of the nation’s energy requirement.

Ninth Largest Solar Power Plant in the World – Datong

Situated in Shanxi, China, the Datong solar PV power project, commissioned in 2016, is a 3 GW facility that came to fruition through collaboration between China Power International Development and China Three Gorges, with a total project cost of $138 million. Presently fully owned by China Power International Development, this solar power plant is poised to generate 3.2 billion kilowatt-hours of solar energy over 25 years, making a significant contribution to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 2.74 million metric tons.

Tenth Largest Solar Power Plant in the World – NP Kunta Ultra Mega Solar Park

The NP Kunta Ultra Mega Solar Park, also known as Ananthapuram – I Ultra Mega Solar Park or Kadiri Ultra Mega Solar Park, is located in Nambulapulakunta, Kadiri Constituency, Andhra Pradesh, India. Covering an area of 32 square kilometers, the park was commissioned in two phases, with the first phase of 200 MW becoming operational on May 9, 2016, and an additional 50 MW commissioned on July 29, 2016. The second phase aimed to add 750 MW and was planned for commissioning by March 2018.

Top 10 Largest Solar Power Plants in the World

  • Bhadla Solar Park, India: The world’s largest solar park.
  • Tengger Desert Solar Park, China: Expansive solar generation in the desert.
  • Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park, India: A significant contributor to India’s solar capacity.
  • Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, UAE: Pioneering clean energy in the Middle East.
  • Benban Solar Park, Egypt: Africa’s largest solar installation.

World’s Largest Solar Power Plant

  • Bhadla Solar Park in India leads with its vast area and massive power output.

Largest Solar Power Plants 2024

  • New projects in China and the USA are set to challenge current leaders by 2024.

Biggest Solar Power Plants Globally

  • Includes installations in India, China, the USA, and the UAE, showcasing global commitment to solar energy.

Solar Power Plant Rankings 2024

  • Bhadla Solar Park, India remains at the top, with others like Pavagada Solar Park closely following.

Largest Solar Energy Facilities

  • Covering thousands of acres, these facilities are pivotal in the global shift towards renewable energy.

Top Solar Power Projects Worldwide

  • Projects like the Longyangxia Dam Solar Park in China and the Villanueva Solar Park in Mexico highlight global innovation in solar energy.

Solar Power Capacity by Country

  • India, China, and the USA lead in solar capacity, reflecting significant investments in renewable energy infrastructure.

Renewable Energy Solar Power Plants

  • These plants are crucial in reducing carbon emissions and advancing global sustainability goals.

Conclusion – Biggest Solar Power Plants Globally

These top 10 largest solar power plants in the world are shining examples of our commitment to clean and sustainable energy. These colossal facilities harness the abundant power of the sun, providing clean electricity and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. As we continue to embrace renewable energy solutions, these solar giants serve as beacons of hope for a greener future. By investing in and expanding such projects globally, we can illuminate the path towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly world for generations to come.

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Solar Power Plant Rankings 2024 – FAQs

What are the top 10 largest solar power plants in the world as of 2024?

The list includes Bhadla Solar Park, India; Tengger Desert Solar Park, China; and Noor Complex, Morocco, among others, showcasing global advancements in solar energy.

Which country hosts the world’s largest solar power plant in 2024?

India, with the Bhadla Solar Park, is home to the world’s largest solar power plant, covering an extensive area and generating significant solar power.

How much power do these top solar plants generate?

These plants generate power ranging from hundreds of megawatts (MW) to over a gigawatt (GW), contributing significantly to their countries’ energy needs.

What percentage of global energy is produced by these solar power plants?

While exact percentages vary, these top plants contribute a growing portion of renewable energy, reflecting solar power’s increasing role in the global energy mix.

Has the ranking of the largest solar power plants changed over time?

Yes, the ranking evolves as new projects are completed and existing plants expand, highlighting the rapid development in solar technology and investment.

What defines a solar power plant’s capacity?

A plant’s capacity is defined by its maximum output of electricity under ideal conditions, typically measured in megawatts (MW) or gigawatts (GW).

How is the capacity of solar power plants measured?

Capacity is measured based on the plant’s solar panels’ total potential electricity output under optimal sunlight conditions.

What factors influence the ranking of solar power plants?

Factors include technological advancements, investment levels, geographic location, and government policies supporting renewable energy.

How do solar power plants contribute to energy production?

Solar plants convert sunlight into electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to cleaner, renewable energy sources.

What are the economic impacts of hosting a large solar power plant?

Hosting a large plant can boost local economies through job creation, infrastructure development, and increased energy security.

How do the largest solar power plants impact their local environments and economies?

While they provide clean energy and economic benefits, careful planning is needed to minimize land use conflicts and ensure environmental sustainability.

How do these plants meet energy needs compared to traditional sources?

Solar plants offer a renewable alternative to traditional sources, though their output can vary with weather conditions, necessitating diverse energy strategies.

What challenges do countries with large solar reserves face?

Challenges include technology costs, land use, energy storage for when the sun isn’t shining, and integrating solar power into existing grids.

Where can I find more information about the world’s largest solar power plants?

Reliable sources include the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), World Energy Council, and specific country energy departments.

What recent advancements have been made in solar power technology?

Advancements include higher efficiency solar panels, improved energy storage solutions, and innovations in solar tracking systems.

What are the environmental considerations of large-scale solar farming?

Considerations include land use, potential habitat disruption, and ensuring that materials used are sustainable and recyclable.

What does the future hold for solar energy production globally?

The future looks bright, with ongoing advancements in technology, decreasing costs, and increasing global commitment to renewable energy sources.

Name the largest Solar Power Plant in the world.

The largest solar power plant in the world is the Bhadla Solar Park. It is situated in Rajasthan, India.

Name four countries that produce the most electricity from Solar Power.

The four countries that produce the most electricity from solar power are China, the United States, Japan, and Germany. While China consumes 254,355 megawatts of energy, the United States stands at 75,572, Japan at 67,000, and Germany at 53,783.

Who invented Solar Energy?

Edmond Becquerel invented solar energy in 1839. The development of practical solar cells and the modern solar energy era gained momentum with the work of Bell Labs researchers, who, in 1954, created the first efficient photovoltaic cell using silicon.

Which country has the best Solar Panels?

China has the best solar panels. China has truly taken the lead in solar panel production, showcasing its dominance by manufacturing around two-thirds of the world’s solar modules.

Which state in India became the first to produce Solar Energy?

Gujarat became the first state in India to achieve the milestone of producing solar energy. The state has made significant efforts to produce solar power, contributing to India’s efforts to promote renewable energy sources.

What are the 10 Largest Solar Power Plants in the World?

The top 10 Largest Solar Power Plants in the World are Bhadla Solar Park, Huanghe Hydropower Hainan Solar Park, Pavagada Solar Park, Benban Solar Park, Tengger Desert Park, Noor Abu Dabhi, Mohammed bin Rashid AI Maktoum Solar Park, Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Panel, Datong Solar Power Top Runner Base, and NP Kunta Ultra Mega Solar Park.



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