MNRE Minister Pralhad Joshi Inaugurates Zelestra India’s 435 MW Gorbea Solar Power Project in Rajasthan
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, has inaugurated the 435 MW Gorbea Solar Power Project in Rajasthan, developed by Zelestra India. It is backed by a 25-year PPA with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) and will generate 755 GWh of clean electricity annually.
July 21, 2025. By Mrinmoy Dey
The Gorbea Solar Power Project, delivered in under eight months, spans 1,250 acres and is backed by a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). It will generate 755 GWh of clean electricity annually, powering approximately 1.28 lakh homes and reducing nearly 7.05 lakh tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
The project uses advanced solar panels (TOPCon bifacial modules) and over 1300 robotic cleaning units to maintain peak performance. Joshi called this a world-class facility and urged broader adoption of such technologies.
Referring to his visit to IIT Bombay, the Minister spoke about ongoing work on Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells and encouraged Zelestra and Rajasthan officials to explore pilot projects using this next-generation solar technology. He said such innovations could significantly boost energy yields in high-irradiance states like Rajasthan.
Sajay K.V., CEO, Zelestra India, remarked, “Gorbea is not just a solar plant; it is a symbol of what’s possible when ambition meets engineered execution. It reflects Zelestra’s commitment to building a decarbonised future – responsibly, inclusively, and at scale.”
Joshi highlighted that the project has turned farmers into partners in India’s energy journey, as the land used has been leased from them, offering stable income. “Our farmers are no longer just food providers. They are now energy providers as well,” he said.
During construction, over 700 local workers were employed, contributing to livelihood generation and skill development. Joshi also noted that the entire evacuation infrastructure, including the on-site substation and a 6.5 kilometre transmission line, was completed in just five months.
Minister Joshi highlighted that almost 70 percent of Rajasthan’s power capacity is now sourced from renewable energy, with over 35.4 GW installed – 29.5 GW from solar and 5.2 GW from wind. He praised the state’s proactive role in India’s renewable energy growth.
Joshi lauded Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma for accelerating policy and investment reforms. Rajasthan has adopted the Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024 and operationalised the Rajasthan Green Hydrogen Policy. Investment commitments worth over INR 6.57 lakh crore were signed last year with a major focus on renewable energy and green hydrogen.
Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, over 49,000 rooftop installations have been completed in Rajasthan, with more than INR 325 crore in subsidies disbursed. He urged faster implementation, given the 2.7 lakh applications already received. Under PM-KUSUM, nearly 1.45 lakh solar pumps have been installed.
Calling for the accelerated deployment of wind-solar hybrid projects, the MNRE Minister pointed out Rajasthan’s untapped wind potential of 284 GW. He concluded by stating that the Gorbea project marks the beginning of a new chapter in India’s clean energy journey. “Today, as we stand on this sun-blessed land, we are not merely inaugurating a facility, we are heralding a new era of energy, hope, and self-reliance,” he said.
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