Adani Green harnesses robotics for more sustainable solar generation

Company to invest further in advanced tech to reduce its water footprint across operating and upcoming solar projects

• 4,830 MW of AGEL’s solar portfolio will be covered by robotic cleaning cumulatively in the near term, which will save ~ 595 million litres of water annually  
• AGEL has committed to be water-positive for all operational plants through reducing water consumption and conservation of water resources

Solar energy is a renewable resource which is inexhaustible until the sun sets. Even though it plays a major role in generating green electricity, solar module cleaning is a water-intensive process. Cleaning of solar panels is essential for efficient power generation. In its efforts to make green energy generation sustainable, Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL), is focusing on lowering the water footprint of its solar portfolio by introducing advanced technologies.

AGEL is deploying a water-free robotic cleaning system to minimize water consumption for the maintenance of the solar modules. AGEL plans to implement this across its operational solar, hybrid sites (solar capacity of hybrid) and its future projects, especially in arid and dry regions where renewable water sources are scarce. This will reduce water usage for solar module maintenance to zero.

Currently, the robotic cleaning technology has already been adopted at ~30% of AGEL’s operational solar and hybrid plants i.e., 2,070 MW of 7,043 MW (solar + solar component of hybrid plants). This will save ~283 million litres of water annually, which is equivalent to the water requirement of ~2.7 million households every year.

Over the years, AGEL has engaged robots to counter dust accumulation on solar panels and modules. These robots use water-free technology that is both environmentally friendly and enhances the energy output of solar panels. Keeping in mind the growing concerns around the scarcity of freshwater resources, AGEL has been undertaking several water stewardship activities, aligned with UN sustainable development goals (SDG) 6 on sustainable management of water. 

Amit Singh, the CEO, Adani Green Energy stated “As we go forward, we are electing to use robotic cleaning to significantly reduce water usage to almost zero across our plants. At AGEL, we understand the importance of our role in mitigating climate change risks. We firmly believe that apart from delivering returns to our stakeholders, it is a moral imperative for us to build a cleaner planet for our future generations,”

While AGEL is striving to minimise its water footprint across all operational plants, it is also looking at ways to reduce water usage in its upcoming projects. In FY23, AGEL achieved the water-positive certification (for plants more than 200MW) from DNV, an independent global assurance agency. In the coming years, the company will be investing further in advanced technology to minimise water consumption.

ENDS