Karnataka Tops the Chart in Renewable Energy Capacity

Having 12,640 MW of cumulative capacity of installed renewable energy, Karnataka is leading the way in generating renewable energy.

With a view of cutting carbon emissions and moving towards a sustainable future, Karnataka has now become the number one state in renewable energy capacity addition.

Having 12,640 MW of cumulative capacity of installed renewable energy, Karnataka is leading the way in generating renewable energy. Karnataka has also added 5265.26 MW of solar capacity which is higher than any other state.

Despite the uneven tenders issued by the government, the aspirations of a sustainability and a consistent demand for renewable energy from the private sector pushed the state to the number one spot, co-founder of CleanMax Solar, Andrew Hines, said.

“We added 270 MWp of utility-scale solar projects, as the number one developer under the Karnataka solar policy. Our rooftop business also saw a steady growth, as we passed the 100 MWp mark early in the year and expect to hit 200 MWp of operational rooftop solar plants in early 2019. Open access solar volumes also grew significantly,” he said.

He also mentioned that solar rooftop installations in Karnataka represent country’s 10% capacity and by 2019 this capacity is expected to touch 10 GW.

Earlier this year, Karnataka achieved the milestone and having more renewable capacity then Denmark and the Netherlands with an overall capacity of 12.3 GW.

Karnataka’s renewable energy portfolio includes 5 GW of solar energy, 4.7 GW of wind energy, and approximately 2.6 GW of hydro, biomass, and heat and power co-generation.

Mr Sunil Rathi, Director, Waaree Energies, maintains that despite the government flip-flops, 2018 was a turning point for the solar industry.

Adding to this he said, “It was an especially defining year for domestic manufacturers who received continued support from the government through the imposition of the safeguard duty. This created a level playing field, for manufacturers to showcase their capabilities, and bring in disruptive R&D,” he said.

Source: Deccan Chronicle