Finshots Daily 10% of Kutch for green energy and data centres = development?
Sep 26, 2025
India's richest men are transforming Kutch from a salt desert into a massive clean energy hub, but the journey is fraught with complexities. Reliance and Adani's conflicting strategies raise concerns about monopolies and ecological impacts. The region faces water stress and risks to local wildlife and pastoralists, while data centers benefit from the green energy boom. There's a pressing debate on whether this push for renewables equates to genuine development for the land and its communities.
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How Kutch Became A Salt Desert And Renewable Jackpot
- Kach's geography created a salt plain after an 1819 earthquake and locals adapted over generations.
- The region now supplies nearly three quarters of India's salt and offers high solar and wind potential.
Big Conglomerates Claim Kutch Land
- Reliance and Adani have together acquired nearly a million acres, about 8-10% of Kutch.
- Their projects aim to build massive solar, battery and hydrogen capacity shaping a race for control over India's green future.
Risk Of Industry Consolidation
- Consolidation risks emerge as few players could dominate wafers and polysilicon, squeezing smaller firms.
- Bernstein warns Reliance and Adani could control half of wafers and up to 90% of polysilicon capacity if plans succeed.