Chitradurga, Bellary Emerge As New RE Hotspots In Karnataka

Chitradurga, Bellary Emerge As New RE Hotspots In Karnataka

Karnataka is among the leading renewable-rich states in India. It is also touted as one of the earliest adopters of green energy. As per the latest data from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Karnataka ranks third in India when it comes to total solar capacities.

Till April 2024, the southern Indian state had a total solar capacity of 8,718 MW. It is also third in India in its total wind capacities. The addition of Pavagada Solar Park in the Tumkur district of the state added new avenues for the state in the renewable segment. The solar park, currently India’s second-largest solar park after Bhadla (Rajasthan) has a total capacity of 2,216 MW.

State-Wise Solar Capacities till April 2024. Source: MNRE

However, with time, solar energy is thriving in some other regions too and creating new hotspots for renewable energy investors. Bellary and Chitradurga have now emerged as the new hotspots, owing to the feasibility of both forms of renewable energy.

Status of renewable energy in Karnataka till April 2024. Source: KREDL

Chitradurga seemed to be the best destination now for solar and wind hybrid projects, solar and wind projects. The latest data from the Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limite (KREDL) claimed that Chitardurga has the second-highest wind capacity of 677 MW. On the other after Tumkur, Chitradruga also emerged as the other leading state with the second-highest solar capacity of 506 MW. Companies like CleanMax and others have already tried their hands with the solar-wind hybrid project in Chitradurga.

As per KREDL, there are only three districts in Karnataka that have facilities for ISTS power evacuation for renewable energy. This included Tumkur (1000 MW), Gadag (1081 MW), Koppal (632 MW) and Chitradurga (35MW).

District-wise solar capacities till April 2024. Source: KREDL

On the other hand, Bellary, once known as an iron ore mining hotspot has become a new popular destination for medium-level solar parks, thanks to the cheaper land and ample landscape to develop new solar projects. Steel behemoths like JSW already have their steel plant in the district. The company developed a 125 MW solar park In Rajapura in the Bellary district. It is also working on other solar parks in the region. There are more than 50 firms that have invested in developing solar parks in the district. 

On the other hand, Bellary also has 314 MW of wind projects installed mainly on the hills of the district. In terms of wind energy, Bellary stands seventh in the list in the state.