We are coming face-to-face with the harsh realities of all the damage that has been caused by human in their quest for industrialization, modernization and technological advancements. This alarming situation has led individuals, organizations and nations to join hands and try to find solutions that are sustainable and Eco-friendly as well. Here are five such amazing Eco-friendly projects that have been designed to save the world from impending disasters.
1. Qaidam Basin Project, China
China is soon to become the possessor of the biggest solar energy park in the entire world. The first phase of the project is located Qaidam Basin (NW China) and has a capacity of 30 MW, however, the project is being developed and upgraded to provide 1GW of energy. The project would be undertaken by Qinghai New Energy Co. and China Technology Development Group Corporation as they have recently signed an agreement with the local government of the region. The local and central governments would be strongly backing and supporting this power project from all angles. The first phase of this ambitious project would alone cost $146 million. The location of the project site is probably the most suitable in China in terms of sunshine (as it is a desert area) and the availability of power grids. The site would cover around 256 thousand kilometers. This project reflects the strong commitment and determination of the Chinese government to tackle the climate crisis by giving way to alternative energy sources.
2. Markbygden, Sweden
Sweden´s biggest wind farm is being built in Norrbotten. The wind farm located in the Sweden’s Markbygden (Piteå municipality) is touted to be the most expansive on land in Europe and amongst the largest wind farms in the world. The project would be having 1100 wind turbines that would be producing electricity amounting to 12 TWh in a year – which would achieve 50% of the total goal of wind energy production for Sweden by 2020. This massive project is due for completion by 2020. The location of the project – Markbygden – is very strategic as it is close to power grids and transmission lines and is near the crossroads of three of the highways of Sweden. Back-up power is also available in the park via the huge hydro-electric stations as well which would ensure smooth functioning of the wind farm. Sweden is a prime country in Europe so far as clean energy is concerned. The country also have many other ‘green’ projects lined up such as all vehicles to be emission-free by 2030 and the country to be carbon-free by 2050!
3. Acciona Amareleja (Moura) PV Plant, Portugal
The Acciona Amareleja (Moura) PV plant is located in Amareleja in Portugar and has the capacity of producing approximately 93 million KWh annually. This huge solar power plant is spread on an area of 250 hectares and is fitted with 262,080 photovoltaic modules. The project is touted to be the world’s largest of its kind and is a prime investment of US$367 million. The major feature of this project is that it will save the world from carbon dioxide emissions amounting to 89,383 tons annually that would have otherwise been caused by fossil fuels. The Acciona is an inspirational landmark to prove that alternative energy sources are extremely efficient and capable.
4. Topaz Solar Farm, San Luis Obispo County, California
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) in collaboration with Topaz Solar Farms LLC has signed an agreement wherein they would built two utility-scale photovoltaic solar power plants producing an 800 MW of clean energy jointly – leading to the production of 1.65 billion KWh of energy in a single year. This figure would be enough to serve the power needs of 239,000 households in the area annually!
Such utility scale solar PV projects make use of photovoltaic cells for converting sun light into electricity and would practically produce maximum energy during the day-time when the consumption is the highest.
The first project called the Topaz Solar Farm would have a capacity of 550 MW and would be relatively lower in terms of costs. The project would be located in the San Luis Obispo County of California and would be capable of providing 1,100,000 MWh of electricity each year. This project would be completed and operational by 2013.
The second project called the California Valley Solar Ranch would have a capacity of 250 MW and would be located in the same area as the first project. This project would be capable of providing 550,000 MWh of renewable energy in a year.
5. Babcock Ranch, Florida
A solar-powered city would soon be a reality in southwest Florida, just like the one being built in Abu Dhabi with the new ‘Babcock Ranch’ – the new city of tomorrow. This solar-powered city would be built by Kitson and Partners in collaboration with Florida Power and Light. The site of this ambitious solar power city would cover a land area of 17 thousand acres and would comprise of office, retails, light industrial, commercial and residential spaces (20,000 houses) that would be constructed as per the standard outlines by the Florida Green Building Council. The project would cost 2 billion dollars and 300 million dollars would be entirely devoted to the solar power plant. Apart from the structures, half of the land area would be devoted to greenery and open spaces and it is estimated that this project would create 20 thousand new jobs.
