The 2024-25 state budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah left some key energy sector targets unmet, reflecting challenges in both execution and planning. A major initiative, the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, aimed to increase the infrastructure for EVs across highways, public spaces, and strategic locations. Despite Karnataka, especially Bengaluru, leading India in the number of public EV charging stations, the anticipated increase has not materialized.
Officials from the energy department acknowledged the delay, attributing it to challenges with private agencies and land availability. As a result, they are revising the proposal to address these issues.
Meanwhile, the much-anticipated green hydrogen project, which involves battery storage and power generation, has yet to commence. Although discussions took place at the Global Investors Meet ‘Invest Karnataka,’ there has been no significant breakthrough due to the project’s newness and high costs.
On a more positive note, the government has made progress with solar energy initiatives. The Kusum B and C schemes, which focus on solarising irrigation pump-sets, have seen some traction. The government’s subsidies have attracted farmers, though the favorable monsoon rains led to fewer new registrations for installations. However, the target of covering 4.30 lakh irrigation pump-sets for 2024-25 was not reached.
In terms of solar energy, Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) has identified land in Raichur and Ballari for 100 MW floating and ground-mounted solar plants. The department also took steps to upgrade sub-stations under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, though a pilot project at Anand Rao Circle has not yet been successfully implemented due to disagreements between agencies and private firms.
Looking ahead, the energy department is proposing an intensified focus on solarisation, decentralised power generation, and increased financial support for EV-charging stations and solar panel installations in the upcoming 2025-26 budget. The extension of the Ganga Kalyan scheme is also under consideration, as part of the broader energy strategy.