Solar Energy plants meet about 20 percent of Karnataka’s daily energy needs as the total amount of renewable resources continues to rise. At 7,346 megawatts (MW), the state has the largest solar power plant in the country, and the largest plant is in Pavagada (Tumakuru).
Last week, the Minister of Power and Energy (IC) RK Singh informed Lok Sabha that Karnataka is ahead of other states in its use of sunlight. After Karnataka, Tamil Nadu (4,403 MW) has the largest solar energy installed, Gujarat (4,068 MW) is the third.
According to data from Karnataka Power Corporation Limited, solar power accounts for more than 50 percent of the total greenhouse gas capacity (13,544 MW). The government plans to expand it by continuing to build a solar park in Firozabad, Kalaburagi. The park will have a capacity of 500 MW.
“The benefits of being the first founder have given us the opportunity to expand our infrastructure. We will see such parks become a reality,” said additional (energy) secretary general Kapil Mohan.
Green energy meets at least 45 percent of daily state needs. “Solar power and wind play a major role,” he said.
The government has decided to reduce its focus on solar power generation as the system has sold more than originally intended. The first idea to promote it was to help residential buildings and commercial sectors become more self-sufficient. “The roof system was misused and began to remove the exchequer,” said a Department of Energy official.
As of February 28, Karnataka had installed 100 MW solar power. Gujarat had 943 MW and Maharashtra 694 MW.
The rising cost of solar panels has also escaped the Karnataka government’s mindset. Costs have risen by more than 30 percent due to a combination of factors linked to the border between India and China, from where most of the sun’s imports were imported. “Karnataka is now more focused on wind energy opportunities,” the official said, adding that the state has secured three sites north of Karnataka for wind power projects.
Source: Times of India