India to lead Asia Pacific in solar energy

India can play a leading role in generating solar energy in the Asia and Pacific region, according to ADB Director General for South Asia Director General H. Sultan Rahman.

He cited India’s rapidly growing electricity demand, ample land availability and strong government commitment to sustainable economic growth.
 

Speaking at a conference in India's Gujarat state, Director General H. Sultan Rahman said strong Indian government support at both national and regional levels has galvanized a range of major solar energy projects that place the country at the forefront of solar power development.

"Economies of scale are reducing costs and Gujarat, as well as other states in India, has greater solar radiation, more rapidly growing electricity demand and more available land," Mr. Rahman said.

The Government of Gujarat recently identified a 2,500 hectare site to build the Charanka Solar Park, which when completed will be among the largest solar power facilities in the world. In tandem, ADB is preparing a $100 million loan to fund a proposed transmission line that will carry the 500 megawatts generated at Charanka to the national electricity grid.