Question 52 from UPSC CSE 2022 - Current Affairs

Question

Consider the following statements:
1. Gujarat has the largest solar park in India.
2. Kerala has a fully solar-powered International Airport.
3. Goa has the largest floating solar photovoltaic project in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. 2 only

Strategy: - Scrutinize factual claims by cross-referencing keywords and contemporary examples.
- Verify specific details regarding solar infrastructure locations and operational firsts.
- Correct identified inaccuracies, confirming Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan, Cochin International Airport as fully solar-powered, and NTPC Simhadri as the largest floating solar project.
- Conclude that only statement 2 is factually sound.

Key Info: ## Key Solar Energy Projects in India

### Bhadla Solar Park, Rajasthan
Bhadla Solar Park is India's and the world's largest solar park.
-   **Location**: Jodhpur district, Rajasthan.
-   **Capacity**: Exceeding 2,200 MW.
-   **Area**: Approximately 14,000 acres.
*Note*: Gujarat is a leader in solar power generation and policy initiatives but does not host the largest solar park.

### Cochin International Airport, Kerala
Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) is globally recognized as the first airport to operate entirely on solar power.
-   **Initiation**: Solar plant commissioned in 2015.
-   **Generation**: Produces around 40-50 MW daily.
-   **Status**: Energy-neutral facility.
-   **Recognition**: Awarded 'Champion of the Earth' by the United Nations in 2018.

### NTPC Simhadri Floating Solar Project, Andhra Pradesh
This is India's largest floating solar photovoltaic (PV) plant.
-   **Location**: Simhadri, near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
-   **Developer**: Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) for NTPC.
-   **Capacity**: 25 MW.
-   **Area**: Spans a 100-acre water body.
*Benefits of Floating Solar*: Preferred on reservoirs to save land and reduce water evaporation.
*Note*: Goa has promoted renewable energy but does not host this project.

These developments highlight India's push towards large-scale renewable energy adoption and infrastructure innovation.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 and 2

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: 1 and 3

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: 3 only

Consider the following statements: Gujarat has the largest solar park in India. Kerala has a fully solar-powered International Airport. Goa has the largest floating solar photovoltaic project in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements:

Gujarat has the largest solar park in India.

Kerala has a fully solar-powered International Airport.

Goa has the largest floating solar photovoltaic project in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?