The Karnataka government has announced plans for a new 200 MW solar park in Madhugiri taluk, part of the Tumakuru district. This project is a key component of the state’s broader strategy to expand renewable energy, building on the success of the Pavagada Solar Park and further strengthening Karnataka’s commitment to green energy security.
Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Development
The Madhugiri Solar Park is being developed in collaboration with the central government-owned Tehri Hydro Development Corporation India (THDCIL). This partnership will leverage local resources and expertise to identify and develop prime land for the solar park. The project marks another significant step in Karnataka’s renewable energy goals, helping transform the state into a leading hub for sustainable power.
Image: Collected
While inspecting the KUSUM-C project in Tumakuru, Energy Minister K J George highlighted how initiatives like the Madhugiri Solar Park enhance energy security for farmers and the wider community. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) program, for example, provides farmers with grid-connected solar power plants and solar pumps for irrigation.
The government’s goal is to reduce the subsidy burden of providing free electricity to farmers’ pump sets, resolve issues with illegal connections, and encourage the wider adoption of solar energy in agriculture.
Detailed Insights into KUSUM-C Project
Minister George explained that the KUSUM-C project requires four to five acres of land to produce 1 MW of electricity. If government land is used, it will be provided at no cost, and the lessee will pay Rs 25,000 per acre annually in rent for 25 years. This revenue will then fund local infrastructure projects, such as anganwadis, schools, and panchayats.
By meeting farmers’ energy needs with renewable sources, the PM KUSUM initiative offers them both financial and water security, integrating them into India’s clean energy future.
Karnataka’s renewed focus on the PM KUSUM scheme shows its commitment to renewable energy initiatives that benefit farmers and the environment alike. Through awareness and participation, the state aims to help farmers achieve energy independence and contribute to conservation. These efforts to expand renewable energy use are central to driving socio-economic progress and bolstering energy security.
Expansion of Solar Energy Infrastructure
Gaurav Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy Department, noted that land near substations would be prioritized for solar projects. The state has already finalized 27 substations and identified another 12 for the next phase in the Tumakuru district. With surveys completed and work underway, farmers and schools will soon benefit from this locally generated electricity.
In addition to the Madhugiri Solar Park, Energy Minister K J George and other officials inaugurated two new power substations in the district. The first, a 2*8 MVA, 66/11 KV substation in Bhairenahalli, Koratagere taluk, was constructed for Rs 12.62 crores. The second, a 2*8 MVA, 66/11 KV substation in Sankenahalli (IK Colony), was built for Rs 14.33 crores. These developments are key to strengthening energy infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.
A Proactive Approach to Green Energy
The Madhugiri Solar Park and the PM KUSUM scheme highlight Karnataka’s proactive approach to green energy. The state is committed to sustainable development and aims to reduce Bengaluru’s energy load by relying more on renewable sources. Through these initiatives, Karnataka expects to lower energy costs and improve environmental stewardship, making the region cleaner and more sustainable.
These efforts underscore Karnataka’s leadership in the renewable energy sector, setting a benchmark for other states. The state’s strategic solar initiatives are paving the way for a sustainable energy future, keeping Karnataka at the forefront of India’s clean energy revolution.
