India One: Indo-German Solar Innovation Powers Mount Abu with 24/7 Clean Energy – EQ
In Short : An Indo-German partnership enabled the 1 MW India One solar thermal plant at Mount Abu’s Shantivan campus. Featuring 770 parabolic reflectors and thermal storage, it provides 24/7 power and hot meals to around 25,000 people. Spread across 25–35 acres, the project was co-funded by India’s MNRE and Germany’s BMUB, with 90% of components made locally.
In Detail : A unique Indo-German collaboration has made possible the successful development of a 1 MW solar thermal power plant at the Shantivan campus in Mount Abu. Named India One, the project harnesses concentrated solar power (CSP) technology to provide round-the-clock renewable electricity to the large spiritual and residential campus.
The solar plant features 770 parabolic reflectors that track the sun throughout the day. These reflectors concentrate sunlight onto receivers that generate high-temperature steam, which is then used to produce electricity. The plant is capable of operating even at night due to its integrated thermal storage system.
Covering an area of around 25 to 35 acres, India One is not just a power project—it serves as a demonstration of sustainable living. It supplies electricity and also supports community kitchens that provide hot meals to approximately 25,000 people daily.
The project was made possible through joint funding from India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety (BMUB). The German development agency GIZ provided technical and knowledge support throughout the project.
One of the major highlights of India One is its high degree of indigenization. Nearly 90% of the plant’s components were manufactured in India, showcasing the potential of local innovation and fabrication in advanced solar technologies.
This plant represents a significant leap in India’s solar power journey, particularly in the field of thermal energy storage. Unlike conventional photovoltaic systems, India One can store heat energy and generate electricity at night or during cloudy weather, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply.
The project aligns with both India’s clean energy goals and Germany’s commitment to global climate action. It also serves as a model for future renewable energy initiatives that seek to combine sustainability with social impact in off-grid and semi-urban areas.
India One is not just a technical achievement but also a symbol of spiritual ecology and environmentally conscious development. Its success offers a replicable template for clean energy deployment in other parts of India and the world.
