Largest solar park of the world named 'Shakti Sthala' launched in Karnataka

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Largest solar park of the world named 'Shakti Sthala' launched in Karnataka

Largest solar park of the world named 'Shakti Sthala' launched in Karnataka

Industry News
Mar 06,18

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently launched the world's largest solar park built at an investment of INR 165 billion at Pavagada in Tumakuru district of Karnataka. The 2,000 MW park spreads across 13,000 acres over five villages.

Largest solar park of the world named 'Shakti Sthala' launched in Karnataka

The Karnataka Solar Power Development Corp. Ltd (KSPDCL) is handling the park's development. KSPDCL is a joint venture between Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL) and Solar Energy Corp. of India (SECI).

"The project has been executed within a record time of two years, with zero land acquisition. Moreover, the farmers who have leased out their land are reaping greater benefits with INR 21,000 per acre being offered as rental, an amount which has the scope to grow by five per cent every two years. The beneficiaries of this project were 2,300 Pavagada farmers," Siddaramaiah informed The Economic Times.

The chief minister said Karnataka has emerged as the third largest producer of renewable energy in the nation and was taking 'bold strides' towards emerging as an energy surplus state.

Karnataka government is working to source at least 20 percent of people's power requirements from renewable projects and as on January 2018 has witnessed an overall increase in capacity to 2,3379 MW. The solar power generation of 600 MW has been commissioned during December 2017 and balance capacity of 1400 MW will be available by December this year.

"This ambitious project, spanning five villages, looks at farmers as the key partners, as also beneficiaries. Shakti Sthala is creating new job opportunities and economic growth leading to the prosperity of the people of Pavagada," the Chief Minister concluded while speaking to ET.