In pursuit of its ambitious target to install 45 GW of renewable energy by 2030, the Adani group credits its journey to the Kamuthi solar plant, a pivotal teacher and a groundbreaking facility. Situated across 2,500 acres of arid land in southern Tamil Nadu, this 648 MW solar plant stands as the group’s inaugural large-scale project and holds the distinction of being the world’s largest solar plant in a single location owned by one entity.
Since its inception in 2016, Kamuthi has not only generated an impressive 9 billion kWhr of electricity but has also been a significant source of valuable insights. The plant, conceived with a commitment to both energy generation and experimentation with diverse technologies, has seen the Adani group’s ₹4,550 crore investments reap rewards beyond mere profits.
R Aravamudhan, Kamuthi’s station head, recently shared insights into the array of technologies employed at the plant with a group of visiting journalists. Noteworthy features include 1.25 MW of bifacial modules, a daring choice in 2015 when such modules were relatively unknown. Additionally, the plant boasts 12 MW of thin-film module capacity, 6 MW with seasonal tilt modules that adjust four times a year for optimized sunlight exposure, and 10 MW on trackers, employing seven different makes for comparative testing.
The technological arsenal further includes 576 inverters, 154 transformers, drones equipped for thermal imaging to detect invisible damages, and specialized equipment for dust detection. While specific data from the plant remains undisclosed to journalists, Adani officials assert that the information gleaned from Kamuthi contributes significantly to enhancing other installations within the group.
The impact of Kamuthi’s pioneering efforts is evident in the recently operationalized 551 MW solar plant in Khavda, Gujarat, by Adani Green Energy Ltd. Many insights gained from Kamuthi have reportedly been integrated into the Khavda plant, which is touted as a scalable blueprint for large-scale renewable energy parks globally. Featuring bifacial modules and single-axis trackers, the Khavda plant aligns with Adani’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
As of now, Adani Green Energy Ltd boasts a formidable 9 GW operating renewable energy portfolio, with a locked-in growth trajectory reaching up to 20.8 gigawatts. In the period from April to December 2023, the company reported revenue earnings of ₹5,794 crore, yielding a cash profit of ₹2,944 crore. On the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), Adani Green Energy shares closed at Rs 1,906.05 on Friday, underscoring the company’s robust standing in the renewable energy sector.