World's largest solar park launched in Karnataka
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday launched the world's largest solar park set up at an investment of Rs. 16,500 crore at Pavagada in the state's Tumakuru district. The 2,000 MW park, named as 'Shakti Sthala', spans across 13,000 acres spread over five villages and is a benchmark in the unique people's participation in power model put on the ground, according to officials.
Project executed within record time of two years
The park's development is anchored by the Karnataka Solar Power Development Corporation Ltd (KSPDCL), an entity formed in March 2015 as a joint venture between Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL) and Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). The project has been executed within a record time of two years, with zero land acquisition, Siddaramaiah said.
The beneficiaries of this project were 2,300 Pavagada farmers
Siddaramaiah said the farmers who have leased out their land are reaping greater benefits with Rs 21,000 per acre being offered as rental, an amount which has the scope to grow by five percent every two years. He said the beneficiaries of this project were 2,300 Pavagada farmers. Karnataka has emerged as the third largest producer of renewable energy in the nation, he said.
Karnataka to emerge as an energy surplus state
Adding that Karnataka was taking "bold strides" towards emerging as an energy surplus state, Siddaramaiah said, "We have set the goal to source at least 20% of people's power requirements from renewable projects." Energy Minister D K Shivakumar said the park will create employment and act as an incentive for natives and farmers to explore new opportunities for socio-economic growth in the region.
State witnessed overall increase in capacity to 2,3379 MW
"This ambitious project, spanning five villages, looks at farmers as the key partners, as also beneficiaries," the energy minister said. The state has witnessed an overall increase in capacity to 2,3379 MW as on January 2018, he said. Shivakumar said 600 MW solar power generation has been commissioned during December 2017 and balance capacity of 1400 MW will be available by December this year.
