Power for the People

“India-One” Solar Thermal Power Plant: innovative decentralized power generation with storage

By United Nations Climate Change Conference COP26

World Renewal Spiritual Trust and Brahma Kumaris

“India One” Solar Thermal Power Plan

In 2011, the World Renewal Spiritual Trust (WRST), partnered with Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (BKWSU/BKs), started the design, development, and installation of India One - a 1 MW solar thermal power plant in Abu Road, Rajasthan.

Shift in consciousness (2011) by Sandra Amadio and Pratiba DayaUnited Nations Climate Change Conference COP26

Shift in consciousness

We showcase the "India One" Solar Power Plant and highlight ways to support the shift in awareness and attitude needed to bring about behavioural change.

Shifts in consciousness

Shifts in consciousness and systemic thinking open the doors to beneficent technologies and sustainable lifestyles grounded in integrity and care.

India One Banner (2015) by Nikunj PatelUnited Nations Climate Change Conference COP26

This research project uses in-house developed 60 m² parabolic dishes that feature innovative thermal storage for night operation.

The BKWSU is an accredited observer organization to UNEP and the UN Framework Conventions on: Climate Change; on Biological Diversity; and to Combat Desertification. We have taken part in civil society activities at COP and COY meetings for over ten years.

Brahma Kumaris Environment Initiative (2021-10-06) by Shantanu MandalUnited Nations Climate Change Conference COP26

Interfaith dialogue for Environmental action

The BKs are also active participants in interfaith dialogue and action on environmental matters, cooperating with a range of organizations in this area.

Environment Initiative

With an estimated million or more students worldwide, the BKs promote greater understanding of climate change and the impact of lifestyle choices on the environment through our Environment Initiative.

A network of green activists in local centres run awareness workshops and offer advice on sustainable lifestyle practices.

10 ways to change the world (2020-12-16) by Nicolas CrettexUnited Nations Climate Change Conference COP26

Sustainable practices and choices

A network of green activists in local centres run awareness workshops and offer advice on sustainable lifestyle practices worldwide. From following a plant-based diet to using non-harmful cleaning products.

India-One and Golo Pilz (2019-05-27) by Shantanu MandalUnited Nations Climate Change Conference COP26

Celebrating awareness and encouraging action

Local centres observe important dates in the calendar by organizing gatherings and activities to support environmental awareness and action. These include collective meditation practice and large-scale tree planting, on environmental key dates such as Earth Day.

India One Solar Thermal Power Plant (2020-06-26) by Golo PilzUnited Nations Climate Change Conference COP26

From a Vision to Local Action

World Renewal Spiritual Trust has become one of the key developers and promoters of renewable energies in India. The commission of India One in 2017, at the base of Mt Abu, the BKs’ global headquarters, was the culmination of research and development projects launched in 2011.

This major collaborative venture was funded by the governments of India and Germany, and contributed to the WRST's recognition as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization by the Ministry of Science and Technology, India.

India One (2014-10-23) by Golo PilzUnited Nations Climate Change Conference COP26

Local social and economic impact

With 770 parabolic solar dishes and static receivers to store thermal energy, India One generates enough heat and round-the-clock power for a campus of 25,000 people. The project employed hundreds of local workers and technicians with training sessions over 3 years.

The infrastructure of solar power plants may require a significant amount of available land. The BKs planted thousands of trees around India One, and used part of the land for organic agriculture, ensuring the protection of the surroundings benefits for the local communities.

Climate Change and Sister Jayanti (2019-05-18) by Shantanu MandalUnited Nations Climate Change Conference COP26

The essence of our practice

All of our environmental work is based on themes of social justice, incorporating gender equality and protection of the rights of local communities. 

Yogis for Future (2021-09-26) by Nikunj PatelUnited Nations Climate Change Conference COP26

The essence of our practice is founded on principles of equality and respect, based on spiritual awareness.

Consciousness and Climate Change Banner (2015) by Nikunj PatelUnited Nations Climate Change Conference COP26

The essence of our work.

The Brahma Kumaris is a global spiritual movement and international NGO dedicated to personal transformation and spiritual renewal, with meditation at the heart of our practice. 

Our work is founded on an understanding of the deep connection between our inner and outer worlds – as is our consciousness, so is the world.

Without such principles, the profound shift in awareness that is essential to transform both ourselves, and the world we live in cannot happen. The adoption of renewable energy technologies, such as “India One”, represents a vital step in the process.

Credits: Story

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The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views and opinions of the UN Climate Change Conference COP26. The mere appearance of the story on this website does not constitute an endorsement by the UN Climate Change Conference COP26. The UN Climate Change Conference COP26 does not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness or completeness of third party material included in the story featured.

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The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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