India’s First Solar Dome at Kolkata Eco Park
Bengal’s Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister, Firhad Hakim, inaugurated India’s pioneering sustainable energy structure, the Solar Dome, situated in New Town, on Tuesday, 5th November. This landmark building is the country’s first to operate entirely on alternative energy sources.
India’s first Solar Dome is now open for public viewing in Kolkata’s New Town, within Bengal’s Silicon Valley, Eco Park. Developed by the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (HIDCO) in partnership with the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company (WBSEDCL), the structure allows visitors to explore its ground floor during the initial phase. Standing 28.95 meters tall with a 45-meter diameter, the dome is situated near Gram Bangla and the Dhamsha restaurant on a 2.89-acre plot. Eco Park visitors can access the dome through Gate 4 without any extra charge.
What makes this Solar Dome a scientific marvel?
It features 2,000 solar panels of two types, 150Wp and 260Wp, generating continuous solar power. When fully operational, the dome will produce 180 kilowatts of energy, sufficient to power its internal systems and surrounding street lights. The design includes upper levels connected by a spiral ramp, with a viewing gallery that offers a 3D perspective. Once completed, the Solar Dome will include a planetarium, marine aquarium, gallery, and an observation deck, providing visitors a sweeping view of Rajarhat, New Town. The estimated project cost is around ₹30 crore.
The lower section of the Solar Dome, now open to the public, is fully air-conditioned. Inside, visitors will find various exhibits on renewable energy sources, such as tidal, geothermal, wind, and solar power. Additional displays address critical environmental topics, including rising sea levels, global warming, and climate change, highlighting their impacts on our planet and our own lives. This initiative aims to raise awareness about these pressing issues that affect both nature and humanity.
India’s National Solar Mission, launched in 2010, initially set a goal of generating 20GW of solar power by 2020. With major solar plants in states like Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, India quickly surpassed this target and now ranks third in Asia and fourth globally in solar energy production. The Indian government has since raised the bar, aiming to achieve 100GW of solar energy by 2022.
The Solar Dome in Bengal has become a notable addition to India’s network of solar energy sites. Its unique design and purpose have sparked curiosity among visitors, inspiring many to learn more about renewable and sustainable energy and its benefits for the future. This project plays an important role in educating the public on the values of reducing, reusing, and recycling. Inside, informative displays encourage simple, everyday actions like minimizing plastic use and adopting eco-friendly habits, empowering people to make positive environmental changes in their daily lives.
Address: JF28+V4X, Jatragachhi, Deshbandhu Nagar, New Town, West Bengal 700156
