PrintYellowdig Discussion: Ultra-Mega Solar - Sambhar Lake Study
Now that we have seen indicators of the growth of solar globally in both rural and urban regions, let us discuss the ultra-mega solar project that was proposed for India...which was ultimately stopped and shifted to the state of Gujarat due to environmental concerns! Let us set the stage as if we were in 2013:
- "India to set up world's largest solar project near Sambhar lake in Rajasthan" Press Trust of India. Sep 21, 2013 at 02:24pm IST
- "India's Plan for World's Largest Solar Farm May Stumble over Wetlands", Saket S., The Guardian, 2/11/2014 (Accessed Nov. 14, 2022)
- Rajasthan, India: the nearby location is Sambhar Lake (a salt source for the state) and Jaipur.
- 4 GW centralized solar power, but it is not clear if it will be PV or CPV or CSP.
- What is there now? Dhirubhai Ambani Solar Park: much less than neighboring Gujarat.
- Search any recently published information on this case.
Guiding questions:
- Research this case study and discuss what has happened to the “best laid plans” over the following years (up until today).
- What factors created barriers when the broader stakeholders become aware of the impacts of ultra-mega solar?
- Why was the mega-plan developed for this location, rather than the desert near a sensitive ecosystem?
- How would 4 types of ecosystems services in the Sambhar Lake area be impacted if the project had moved forward to installation and commissioning?
- Finally, pose yourself in government at the State level. Think about what alternatives you would have recommended for this ambitious project(s)?
Tagging
Please post your thoughts and findings on this case on Yellowdig using the following topic tags:
Under the third topic, feel free to share any existing projects in the US or worldwide that provide good examples of ethical project development and ecosystem conservation.
Grading and Deadlines
Remember that Yellowdig point earning period ends each Friday. Posting commenting, reacting regularly through the weeek will make the 1000 pts. an easy target and guarantee a high participation grade in the course. Yellowdig discussions will account for 15% of your total grade.