Jaipur, 30 October — Rajasthan’s Bhadla Solar Park is among the world’s largest solar energy centres. It is now ready to become a witness to the nation’s clean energy revolution. Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited (RREC) has approved NTPC to set up a 320‑kilowatt pilot concentrated solar power (CSP) project at Bhadla.
It is the country’s first project of its kind, aimed at testing continuous solar power generation at night while reducing reliance on conventional battery storage. The energy generated by this pilot will be used entirely for NTPC plant’s internal and auxiliary consumption.
In this technology, solar energy captured during the day is stored as heat in high‑temperature specialised ceramic modules. After sunset, this stored heat will drive an air turbine to generate electricity, substantially reducing dependence on heavy, costly chemical batteries.
The project will use the novel ceramic thermal energy storage technology developed by US‑based company ‘247Solar’. Under this partnership, NTPC is working with Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited (RREC) to implement and test the technology at Bhadla. RREC’s approval has paved the way for initial feasibility studies, site surveys and structural testing at Bhadla.
Generating electricity at night has historically been the biggest challenge in the solar sector. If the Bhadla pilot succeeds, the ceramic storage‑based technology could be deployed at scale across the country. The project will not only position Rajasthan as a hub of cutting‑edge renewable energy technology but also give new impetus to India’s net‑zero and energy‑security goals.
Brajesh