https://www.climatechange.org.au/product/india-solar-10-x-tonnes-co2e-offset/
Description
Bhadla Solar
Certified as:
Gold Standard Certified Emissions Reduction (GSCER)
Sustainable Development Goals supported:
THE STORY
Rajasthan, and particularly its agricultural sector, has been heavily impacted by climate change. However, this north-western state of India is known for its blistering sun and has serious solar power potential that, if tapped into, could save India from burning tonnes of coal each year.
THE SOLUTION
To replace thermal and fossil fuel-based energy, this project installs a 70 MW solar power facility in Bhadla village to harness Rajasthan’s famous sunshine. It reduces the emissions of harmful greenhouse gases, instead exporting clean and renewable energy to the Indian national grid. In doing so, this project will work towards India’s national progressive energy target of reaching 100GW of solar energy capacity by 2022.
THE IMPACT
This project reduces India’s reliance on carbon-intensive energy sources and supports its forward-thinking renewable energy targets, and boosts local economies by providing job and training opportunities. As well as these direct benefits, the project funds a number of additional initiatives for local communities: installing solar street lights, giving solar lamps to local families and upgrading the village health clinic to ensure 24×7 uninterrupted access to electricity. On top of these, the project has installed new solar-powered toilets for two secondary schools and improved clean water access for the local police station and school. In addition, self-help groups teach local women new skills such as reading, writing and sewing so that they can earn an income.