Tumakuru: In a significant move to bolster renewable energy production, the Karnataka government has unveiled plans to establish a new solar park in Madhugiri taluk, Tumakuru district. This ambitious initiative, announced by Energy Minister K J George in Tumakuru, draws inspiration from the highly successful Pavagada Solar Park. The upcoming project in Madhugiri taluk not only signals Karnataka's commitment to scaling up clean energy infrastructure but also holds the potential to significantly enhance environmental stewardship and energy security in the state.  



The Madhugiri Solar Park will be developed in a strategic partnership with the Central Government-owned Tehri Hydro Development Corporation India Limited (THDCIL), a move that underscores Karnataka's ambitious renewable energy strides. This partnership aims to leverage local expertise and resources to identify suitable land parcels essential for advancing Karnataka's renewable energy agenda, instilling confidence in the project's success. 


Energy Minister KJ George was visiting Tumakuru to review the implementation of the KUSUM -C project at the district commissioner's office.

The energy ministry, in a bid to popularize the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan ( PM KUSUM ), held a review meeting at Tumakuru on the progress of the scheme. The government's unwavering commitment to the scheme, which aims to provide farmers with energy security and improve their livelihoods by installing solar pumps and grid-connected solar power plants, reassures the public of its dedication to sustainable development. 

 

"The subsidy for free electricity for farmers' pump sets is increasing annually. Despite efforts to regularize farmers' pump sets, the issue persists, leading to transformer damage and power supply disruptions due to illegal connections. In this context, we are prioritizing the KUSUSM B and Kusum C projects, encouraging the adoption of solar pump sets," KJ George added. 


Minister George outlined the details of the Kusum C project, stating, "To generate 1 MW of electricity under the Kusum C project, 4-5 acres of land are needed. If government land is used, it will be provided free of cost and leased for 25 years. Lessees will pay Rs. 25,000 per acre annually during the lease period. These funds will be deposited in the district collector's account and allocated to develop local anganwadis, schools, and panchayats."


The PM KUSUM initiative, a joint effort of the Government of India and the state governments, was launched to address farmers' energy needs and make agriculture more sustainable. By providing farmers with financial and water security, the initiative not only benefits individual farmers but also contributes to the future of renewable energy in India, instilling optimism in the public.




Efforts by Karnataka to popularize the PM KUSUM scheme indicate the state's commitment to promoting renewable energy and supporting farmers. By actively encouraging participation in the scheme, Karnataka can help farmers harness solar power to meet their energy needs, reduce dependency on traditional energy sources, and contribute to environmental conservation. This initiative benefits individual farmers and aligns with broader energy security and sustainable development goals. Karnataka's proactive stance in promoting PM KUSUM demonstrates its recognition of the importance of renewable energy in driving socio-economic growth and fostering a greener future.


The Government of India launched the scheme to address farmers' energy needs and make agriculture more sustainable. Solar energy also aims to provide farmers with financial and water security. Accelerating transformative energy security for Indian agriculture involves implementing comprehensive strategies to ensure reliable and sustainable energy sources for farmers, Additional Chief Secretary (Energy Department), Govt of Karnataka, Gaurav Gupta,


“We will select land around substations for this initiative. So far, 27 substations have been chosen, with an additional 12 substations to be selected in the next phase for Tumakuru district. Work has already begun in some substations, and surveys have been conducted. The aim is to benefit farmers with locally generated electricity," Gaurav Gupta said during the review meeting. 


 The meeting was attended by Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwar, who is also the District In-charge Minister, Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna, State Government Special Representative in Delhi T.B. Jayachandra, MLA K. Shadakshari, Additional Chief Secretary Energy Department Gaurav Gupta, BESCOM Managing Director Mahantesh Bilagi, and Tumakuru District Collector Shubha Kalyan. 

Inauguration of New Power Substations at Koratgere taluk 


In addition, Energy Minister K.J. George, District In-charge Minister Dr G. Parameshwar and Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna inaugurated two new power substations in the Tumakuru district. These include a 2*8 MVA, 66/11 KV substation in Bhairenahalli of Koratagere Taluk, constructed at a cost of Rs. 12.62 crores, and another 2*8 MVA, 66/11 KV substation in Sankenahalli (IK Colony), built at a cost of Rs 14.33 crores.


CONTEXT ON PM KUSUM C SCHEME FOR REFERENCE ONLY


KUSUSM C SCHEME: 

Focuses on the solarization of existing grid-connected agriculture pumps, making them more energy-efficient.

• The Irrigation pump sets of agriculture feeders will be provided power through solar plants by feeder-level solarization.

• MNRE provides 30% as a subsidy for the Solar plant, i.e. Rs. 1.05 Cr per MW as against the Project cost of Rs. 3.5 Cr per MW


Component C: Individual Pump Solarisation (IPS)


• Individual farmers having grid-connected agriculture pumps will be supported by solarise pumps. Solar PV capacity up to two times the pump capacity in kW is allowed under the scheme.

• The farmer will be able to use the generated solar power to meet the irrigation needs, and the excess solar power will be sold to DISCOMs.

• CFA of 30% of the benchmark cost or the tender cost, whichever is lower, of the solar PV component will be provided. The State Government will give at least a subsidy of 30%, and the remaining at-most 40% will be provided by the farmer. Bank finance can be availed by farmer, so that farmer has to initially pay only 10% of the cost and remaining up to 30% of the cost as loan.