With excess renewable energy, Karnataka plans to sell power to other states

BENGALURU: Karnataka is on par with California when it comes to the generation and use of renewable energy, the energy department said. However, to ensure that the generated energy is stored and utilised, the state energy department held a virtual meeting with California Energy Commissioner on Wednesday. “The meeting was about the areas where we can collaborate to share our knowledge and resources,” additional chief secretary of the energy department Mahendra Jain told TNIE.

According to records, of the total 30,063 MW capacity of power generated, 7,334 MW is solar, 4,823 MW from wind, 903 MW from mini- hydel projects, 1,731 MW from co-generation units and 3,798 from hydro projects. “A total of 49.6% energy is from renewable resources, excluding hydro. In India, Karnataka generates the highest renewable energy and this is mostly because of the 2,000 MW solar plant in Pavagada village in Tumkuru. The target set by Union ministry is 7.25% solar energy, but Karnataka generates is 16.80%. The obligation is to generate 17.85% green energy, but Karnataka generates 39.97%,” Jain said.