Ghani solar renewable energy generation project
500 MW of Solar Energy for Andhra Pradesh – The Ghani Solar Project
The Ghani Solar Project delivers clean energy where it is needed most. In Andhra Pradesh, a 500-MW solar park harnesses the power of the sun to generate almost one million megawatt-hours of green electricity each year. This replaces carbon-intensive electricity from fossil fuel power plants and saves around 880,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases annually. A large-scale project that demonstrates how renewable energy can enable climate-friendly development – reliable, efficient, and with measurable impact.
Technical Project Data – Ghani Solar (VCS 1792)
The key facts about the solar park at a glance.
| Parameter | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Installed Capacity | 500 MW total capacity | Project Design Document (PDD), Chapter Project Description |
| Project Location | Andhra Pradesh, India | PDD, Chapter Location of Project Activity |
| Project Type | Photovoltaic solar park (grid-connected) | PDD, Chapter Technology Description |
| Methodology | ACM0002 (Grid-connected renewable power generation) | PDD, Chapter Applied Methodology |
| Module Type | Polycrystalline PV modules (approx. 315–325 Wp per module) | PDD, Chapter Technology Description bzw. Technical Annex (Herstellerangaben), Seitenzahl nicht einheitlich |
| Inverters | SMA Sunny Central 1000CP XT (multiple units per 50 MW sub-project) | PDD, Technology Description / Equipment Specification Annex |
| Mounting System | Fixed tilt | PDD, Technology Description |
| Grid Connection | Public Indian electricity grid (grid export) | PDD, Chapter Electricity System |
| Annual Electricity Generation | approx. 919,800 MWh/year | PDD, Chapter Baseline Scenario & Emission Reductions |
| Annual Emission Reductions | approx. 996,010 tCO₂e/year | PDD, Chapter Emission Reduction Calculation |
| Commissioning (first units) | 31 March 2017 | Verra Registry, Crediting Period Start Date |
| Crediting Period | 31/03/2017 – 30/03/2027 | Verra Registry, Crediting Period Information |
| Project Status (VCS) | Registered | Verra Registry, Projektstatus |
| Monitoring & Verification | Regular monitoring of electricity generation and the resulting emission reductions, as well as independent verification in accordance with the requirements of the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS). | Monitoring & Verification Reports (VCS) |
| Additionality | Implementation of the solar project is supported by revenues from the voluntary carbon market; without these revenues, the project would be economically less attractive or would have been implemented at a later stage. | Project Design Document – Additionality Section |
| Carbon Credit Rating | No external, independent carbon credit rating by specialised rating agencies has been published to date. | – |
| Carbon Credit Rating Type | No project-specific external assessment or classification has been assigned. | – |
| Article 6 Authorisation (Paris Agreement) | No authorisation under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement has been indicated. | Verra Registry |
| CCP Status (ICVCM) | No classification under the Core Carbon Principles (CCP) of the ICVCM has been published to date. | ICVCM (project not listed) |
| Handling of Double Counting Risks | Emission reductions are uniquely attributed to the project and registered in the Verra Registry; each emission reduction is issued only once. | VCS Rules / Verra Registry |
| Longevity of Emission Reductions | Emission reductions accrue continuously over the technical lifetime of the solar installation through the injection of renewable electricity into the public grid. | Emission reductions accrue continuously over the technical lifetime of the solar installation through the injection of renewable electricity into the public grid. |
| Risk Management & Safeguards | Technical standards, operation and maintenance plans, and regulatory requirements under the VCS ensure stable project implementation and effective risk mitigation. | Project documentation |
What the project can contribute
Here we summarize what the project is actually intended to achieve and which practical improvements it can enable.
- 1
Clean energy instead of fossil power generation
The project aims to generate large amounts of solar electricity to replace coal- and gas-fired power plants. This significantly reduces CO₂ emissions — by around 880,000 tonnes each year. A clear step away from fossil legacies and towards a climate-friendly future.
- 2
Securing long-term energy supply
The 500-MW solar park strengthens the electricity supply in Andhra Pradesh. It delivers stable, affordable power for households, businesses, and local infrastructure. This creates energy that works today — and remains reliable tomorrow.
- 3
Accelerating the expansion of renewable energy in India
India is strongly committed to solar energy. This project supports the national energy transition and demonstrates that large solar parks can gradually replace fossil fuels. A showcase project that proves how quickly change is possible when technology and determination come together.
- 4
Supporting local development
The construction and operation of the park create jobs, bring technical expertise to the region, and strengthen the economic development of rural areas. An energy project that delivers not only electricity but also new opportunities.
- 5
Reducing environmental impacts
Less air pollution, lower resource consumption, and overall cleaner energy generation — a clear benefit for both the environment and public health. This is energy that allows people and nature to breathe more easily.
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Global climate relevance
Emission reductions
The solar power generated avoids around 880,000–990,000 tonnes of CO₂e per year. It’s not a world-changing figure, but a steady contribution to lowering emissions in India’s coal-dominated power grid.
Fossil fuel replacement
The solar park feeds electricity into the grid that would otherwise largely come from coal-fired power plants. This replaces part of the fossil baseload — a small but continuous step that reduces long-term dependence on coal.
No fuel required
Solar power operates without fuel, transport, mining or combustion. This eliminates not only CO₂ emissions but also associated impacts such as air pollutants, particulate matter, and water consumption — all of which are unavoidable in fossil energy production.
Additionality
The solar park would have been less economically attractive without financing from carbon credits. Revenue from the carbon market enabled the project and supported renewable energy expansion that would otherwise have been delayed or smaller in scale.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – The relevant and the complementary contributions
In addition to reducing CO₂ emissions, climate protection projects create a wide range of co-benefits for people and the environment. This supports and strengthens engagement in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The most significant contributions of this project relate to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). SDG 8 and SDG 9 are also supported, but in a more complementary role. SDG 11 and SDG 12 are considered peripheral contributions, often mentioned but in practice only indirectly influenced.
The solar park generates electricity from a renewable source and feeds it into the public grid.
Contribution: More renewable energy in India’s strongly fossil-heavy power mix.By avoiding approx. 880,000–990,000 t CO₂e per year, the project makes a measurable contribution to emission reductions.
Contribution: Reduces greenhouse gases and supports the transition to a lower-carbon electricity system.Jobs are created during construction and operation, mainly locally or in the surrounding region.
Contribution: Temporary jobs during the construction phase and some permanent positions during operation.Solar parks like this help expand modern energy infrastructure.
Contribution: Grid connection and technical development in a state undergoing increasing electrification.By delivering reliable electricity, the solar park can indirectly stabilise power supply for households.
Contribution: Mostly indirect — not a strong core impact, but supportive.Less fossil energy means fewer side effects such as mining, water use and air pollution.
Contribution: Relevant only in the context of energy production.
Einordnung und Transparenz
Dieses Windkraftprojekt ist nach dem Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) registriert und wird regelmäßig überwacht und verifiziert. Die dargestellten Emissionsminderungen basieren auf geprüften Monitoringberichten und anerkannten Methoden zur Berechnung von Treibhausgasreduktionen.
Das Projekt steht exemplarisch für Klimaschutzmaßnahmen im Energiesektor, die messbar, nachvollziehbar und langfristig angelegt sind.