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Karnataka Aims for 25,000 MW Green Energy in 5 Years, Tackles Land Hurdles

Karnataka has set an ambitious target to increase its renewable energy capacity to 25,000 megawatts within the next five years. Officials acknowledge land acquisition as a key challenge and have launched a simplified online portal to facilitate agreements between farmers and investors. The state, already a national leader with over 23 GW of installed renewable capacity, highlights the Pavagada Solar Park as a successful model of inclusive development. Government schemes like the Chief Minister's Solar Agriculture Scheme are pivotal in driving this green energy transition.

Key Points: Karnataka Targets 25,000 MW Renewable Energy Capacity by 2029

  • 25,000 MW renewable target in 5 years
  • New online portal for land conversion
  • Pavagada Solar Park a model project
  • Focus on solar and wind energy growth
2 min read

K'taka targets 25,000 MW renewable energy capacity in five years

Karnataka plans to boost renewable energy to 25,000 MW in five years, simplifying land acquisition with a new online portal to attract investors.

"We need to educate people that renewable energy is crucial for the country's development. - Gaurav Gupta"

Bengaluru, March 18

Karnataka aims to increase renewable energy production to 25,000 MW in the next five years and is implementing supportive policies to achieve this target, Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta said on Wednesday.

Releasing a book titled How Can India Make Its Renewable Future a Responsible One at an event organised by the Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Corporation Ltd (KREDL) and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), Gupta said the goal could be met "with the cooperation of investors and people".

Gupta highlighted challenges in land acquisition for renewable projects. "People are concerned about the impact on their livelihoods, and investors see this as a hurdle. We need to educate people that renewable energy is crucial for the country's development," he said.

He added that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Energy Minister K.J. George, and Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda had simplified land‑acquisition processes and created a special online portal for investors and farmers to facilitate land conversion. Investors can discuss with farmers and register online, after which renewable energy projects can begin, he said.

Gupta noted that over the past three decades, KREDL had played a transformative role in positioning Karnataka as one of India's leading renewable‑energy states. Karnataka now has more than 23 GW of installed renewable capacity, with solar and wind forming the backbone of this growth.

He cited the Pavagada Solar Park, with a capacity of over 2,000 MW, as one of the world's largest solar parks and a model of inclusive development, where farmers benefit from long‑term land‑leasing arrangements.

Karnataka has also emerged as a national leader in wind energy, with more than 8,238 MW of installed capacity, Gupta said.

KREDL Chairman and MLA T.D. Rajegowda praised the government's initiatives, including the Chief Minister's Solar Agriculture Scheme.

"Karnataka has been at the forefront of renewable energy and achieved many awards at the national level. The Chief Minister's Solar Agriculture Scheme, which combines agriculture and renewable energy, is a remarkable project," he said.

The event featured discussions on various aspects of renewable energy and was attended by K.P. Rudrappaiah, Managing Director of KREDL, Karthik Ganesan, Director at CEEW, senior officials, and industry representatives.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As someone living in Bengaluru, I fully support this move. We need to reduce dependence on thermal power, especially with our erratic electricity situation. The online portal for land is a good step if implemented transparently.
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Rohit P
Land acquisition is the real challenge. Officials say "educate people" but often the concerns of local communities are ignored. The government must ensure fair compensation and that the promised benefits to farmers actually reach them. No more empty promises.
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Priyanka N
Great news! 25,000 MW is a huge number. Solar and wind are the future. I hope they also focus on rooftop solar for homes and businesses in cities. That would reduce pressure on the grid and lower bills for common people like us.
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Karthik V
Karnataka's progress in wind energy is impressive! Over 8,000 MW is no small feat. This push for renewables is crucial for our energy security and fighting climate change. Proud to see our state leading the way. 🇮🇳
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Michael C
The target is good, but execution is key. The "simplified online portal" sounds great on paper. Need to see if it actually reduces red tape and corruption. Also, what about the environmental impact of these large solar parks on local ecosystems?

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