Near Vadodara city, a unique solar energy project is drawing attention. At the Muni Seva Ashram in Goraj village, one of the world’s largest solar concentrators, also known as a solar dish, is now being used to replace traditional power sources.
The massive solar dish is 26 metres wide and as tall as a seven-storey building. It captures sunlight using mirrors and converts it into steam, which can be used for cooking, laundry, heating, and even industrial work. The ashram had earlier installed a smaller version, and its success led to the installation of this larger system.
The technology was originally developed in Australia by the Australian National University and Sunrise CSP. However, because coal power was cheaper there, it did not gain much attention. The idea came to India when Sunrise CSP representatives visited Gujarat, after which the technology was manufactured locally under the “Make in India” initiative, led by Ashram board member Deepak Gadhia.
The first solar dish at the ashram is already being used for daily activities. The new, larger dish is powerful enough to run a 200-tonne air conditioning system. The project received financial support, including ₹1.6 crore from the Rotary Club of Bombay Pier. Two more solar dishes are planned, with ₹2.5 crore support from the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), along with a government grant.
These solar dishes take up much less space compared to traditional solar plants and use smart software to follow the sun throughout the day for maximum efficiency. Similar solar concentrators are now also being installed at two industrial units in Hyderabad, showing growing interest in this clean and space-efficient technology.
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