The Karnataka government has announced plans to establish a 200 MW solar park in Madhugiri taluk, located in the Tumakuru district. This new solar park is a key component of the state’s broader strategy to expand renewable energy generation. The project builds on the success of the Pavagada Solar Park, further strengthening Karnataka’s commitment to green energy and 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 is designed to leverage local resources and expertise to identify and develop prime land parcels for the solar park. The project represents another significant step in Karnataka’s renewable energy journey, contributing to the state’s transformation into a leading hub for sustainable energy.
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While inspecting the KUSUM-C project in Tumakuru, Energy Minister K J George emphasized the importance of initiatives like the Madhugiri Solar Park in enhancing energy security for farmers and the broader community. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) program, for example, is aimed at providing farmers with grid-connected solar power plants and solar pumps for irrigation.
The government’s goal is to reduce the subsidy burden for free electricity provided to farmers’ pump sets, address issues related to illegal connections, and encourage the adoption of solar energy in agriculture.
Detailed Insights into KUSUM-C Project
Minister George provided detailed insights into the KUSUM-C project, noting that it requires 4-5 acres of land to produce 1 MW of electricity. If government land is used for these solar power installations, it will be provided at no cost, with the lessee paying Rs 25,000 per acre annually as lease rent for 25 years.
This lease rent will be utilized to fund local infrastructure projects, such as constructing anganwadis, schools, and panchayats in the area. The PM KUSUM initiative offers farmers both financial and water security by meeting their energy needs through renewable sources, thereby integrating them into India’s clean energy future.
Karnataka’s renewed focus on promoting the PM KUSUM scheme reflects the state’s commitment to supporting renewable energy initiatives that benefit farmers and the environment. By raising awareness and encouraging participation in the scheme, Karnataka aims to help farmers utilize solar power, achieve energy independence, and contribute to environmental conservation. The state’s efforts toward sustainable development are evident as it seeks to enhance renewable energy utilization, driving socio-economic progress and bolstering energy security.
Expansion of Solar Energy Infrastructure
Gaurav Gupta, who is the Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy Department, stated that land near substations would be prioritized for the solar projects. The state has already finalized 27 substations, with another 12 identified in the next phase for Tumakuru district. Work on these sites has already begun, and surveys have been completed, ensuring that farmers and schools will soon benefit from locally generated electricity.
In addition to the Madhugiri Solar Park, Energy Minister K J George and other officials inaugurated two new power substations in Tumakuru district. These include a 2*8 MVA, 66/11 KV substation in Bhairenahalli of Koratagere taluk, constructed at a cost of Rs 12.62 crores; and a 2*8 MVA, 66/11 KV substation in Sankenahalli (IK Colony), built at a cost of Rs 14.33 crores. These developments are part of a broader effort to strengthen the state’s energy infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.
A Proactive Approach to Green Energy
The Madhugiri Solar Park and the PM KUSUM scheme represent Karnataka’s proactive approach to promoting green energy. The state is committed to sustainable development and aims to reduce Bengaluru’s energy stress by increasing reliance on renewable sources. Through these initiatives, Karnataka expects not only to lower energy costs but also to enhance environmental stewardship, making the region cleaner and more sustainable for the future.
These efforts underscore Karnataka’s leadership in renewable energy, setting a benchmark for other states to follow. The state's strategic initiatives in solar power are paving the way for a sustainable energy future, ensuring that Karnataka remains at the forefront of India’s clean energy revolution.