Bengaluru: In a bid to promote renewable energy production and usage in Karnataka, the Energy Department has proposed the development of a solar park in Madhugiri, Tumakuru. This initiative, announced by Energy Minister K J George on Monday, aims to emulate the success of the existing solar park in Pavagada.
Minister George emphasized that the project would contribute significantly to Karnataka’s energy security and environmental conservation efforts. He also highlighted the support from Madhugiri MLA K N Rajanna in selecting suitable land for the solar park. “To produce 1 MW of solar power, we need approximately four to five acres of land. We can generate 500 MW of energy if we acquire 2,000-2,500 acres. The project planning will proceed based on land availability in Madhugiri,” George stated.
Strategic Partnership for Success
The Madhugiri Solar Park will be developed in collaboration with the Central Government-owned Tehri Hydro Development Corporation India Limited (THDCIL). This strategic partnership aims to utilize local expertise and resources to identify suitable land parcels, ensuring the project’s success. The Energy Department’s statement emphasized the confidence instilled by this collaboration in advancing Karnataka’s renewable energy goals.
Encouraging Farmer Participation
During a review of the Energy Department’s projects in Tumakuru, Minister George encouraged farmers to participate in the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme. This scheme provides subsidies for farmers to use solar-powered pump sets for irrigation, reducing dependency on traditional power infrastructure and ensuring a reliable power supply.
George highlighted the growing subsidy costs for free electricity for farmers’ pump sets and the ongoing issues with illegal connections causing transformer damage and power supply disruptions. He stressed the importance of prioritizing the KUSUM B and KUSUM C projects to promote the adoption of solar pump sets.
