The State Cabinet on Wednesday cleared the Karnataka Renewable Energy Policy (2022-27) that provides for developing the State as a hub of renewable energy generation as well as manufacturing of equipment related to renewable energy.
The policy also envisages upgrading the renewable energy generation capacity of the State to 10 GW in the next five years. This includes 1 GW of rooftop solar energy. Presently, the State has renewable energy generation capacity of 15,392 MW.
The policy aims at developing Karnataka as the major exporter of renewable energy to other States by utilising the opportunities in the State for maximining renewable energy generation. The policy also envisages economic development of Karnataka by attracting investments in the field of renewable energy generation in a massive way.
As part of the ambitious plans, the policy wants to develop exclusive green power corridors for evacuation of power from generation site with private participation.
Interestingly, the new policy is focusing on creation of market for development of suitable storage capacity for the proposed increase in generation of the renewable energy. As part of measures to increase generation of renewable energy, the policy wants to promote floating solar and hybrid generation units in the hydel stations.
Among other things, the policy enlists setting up of renewable energy parks at various places in the State including the hybrid parks.
Technically, the policy wants to improve the reliability of power availability from renewable energy sources and also ensure that it is available round the clock with the help of storage methods whose costs are now seeing a reduction due to innovation in technology. The policy further wants to focus on improving the efficiency (plant load factor) of the renewable energy plants.
Published - March 30, 2022 10:18 pm IST
