Karnataka Government Plans New Solar Park in Madhugiri

The Karnataka government plans a new solar park in Madhugiri taluk, Tumakuru district. Energy Minister K J George announced the initiative, focusing on enhancing the state's clean energy infrastructure and energy security. The park will be developed in partnership with THDCIL, with a focus on leveraging local resources.

After the runaway success of Pavagada Solar Park in Tumakuru, the Karnataka government has announced plans to establish another solar park in the district, this time in Madhugiri taluk.

The new initiative was revealed by Karnataka's Energy Minister, K J George, during an announcement in Tumakuru. "The upcoming project will not only upscale Karnataka's clean energy infrastructure but also significantly boost environmental stewardship and energy security in the state," said George.

The Madhugiri Solar Park will be developed through a strategic partnership with Tehri Hydro Development Corporation India Limited (THDCIL), a central government-owned entity. "This collaboration aims to harness local expertise and resources to identify suitable land parcels, crucial for advancing Karnataka's renewable energy goals," added George.

The Energy Minister was in Tumakuru to review the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) project. "The subsidy for free electricity for farmers' pump sets is escalating annually. Despite continuous efforts to regularize these pump sets, issues persist, often resulting in transformer damage and power supply disruptions due to illegal connections. Against this backdrop, we are prioritizing the KUSUM B and C projects to encourage solar pump set adoption," George pointed out during his review.

Detailing the Kusum C project, George noted, "Generating 1 MW of electricity under the Kusum C initiative requires 4-5 acres of land. If government land is used, it will be provided at no cost, leased for 25 years. Lessees will pay Rs. 25,000 per acre annually, with funds directed to local anganwadis, schools, and panchayats." Launched collaboratively by the central and state governments, PM KUSUM aims to address farmers' energy requirements and promote sustainable agriculture.

During the review meeting, Gaurav Gupta, additional chief secretary of Karnataka's energy department, stated, "Accelerating transformative energy security for Indian agriculture includes comprehensive strategies to ensure reliable and sustainable energy sources for farmers."

He elaborated, "Land around substations will be selected for this initiative. So far, 27 substations have been identified, with 12 more to follow in the next phase for Tumakuru district. Work has commenced at some sites, along with surveys. The goal is to benefit farmers with locally generated electricity."

The meeting was also attended by state Home Minister G Parameshwar, cooperation minister K N Rajanna, state government representative in Delhi T B Jayachandra, MLA K Shadakshari, BESCOM managing director Mahantesh Bilagi, and Tumakuru district collector Shubha Kalyan.

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