BNN
Pavagada is one of the most drought prone regions of our State. Faced with severe droughts and farmer migration from the Taluk even a decade ago, the Govt. of Karnataka, under the leadership of Shri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister has created a unique solution to empower the people by harvesting the power of the Sun. The Shakti Sthala has become a reality consequent to the efforts of the people, and specifically the 2,300 farmers of Pavagada Taluk who have joined the Government as partners, stakeholders, shareholders, as also beneficiaries of this mega initiative.
Spanning 13,000 acres across 5 villages, built with investments worth Rs 16,500 crore, the Shakti Sthala is a benchmark in the unique People’s Participation in Power model put on ground by the Hon’ble Minister for Energy, Govt. of Karnataka Shri. DK Shivakumar. The project has been executed within a record time of two years, with zero land acquisition. Moreover, the farmers who have leased out their land are reaping greater benefits with Rs 21,000 per acre being offered as rental, an amount which has the scope to grow by 5% every two years.
Shakti Sthala, the world’s largest Solar Park is the milestone in the foundation for a new Karnataka, taking forward the vision of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah. As a source of unlimited clean energy, it will give more power to the people of Karnataka in the days ahead. Pavagada Solar Park will create new employments and act as an incentive for the natives and farmers to explore new opportunities of socio-economic growth in the Taluk.
PROJECT INVESTMENT:
•Solar PV plants by SPDs: Rs. 12,000 Crores
•KSPDCL Infrastructure works (substation, Roads, Drainage etc.,): Rs. 825 crores
•400/220kV station of POWERGRID: Rs. 1,600 Crores
•Total: Rs. 14,425 crores
CAPACITY ADDITION:
- 600MW solar generation has been commissioned during Dec 2017. Along with 600MW solar power, thermal power to an extent of 300MW has been allocated to Distribution Companies of Karnataka for bundling. The Distribution Companies of Karnataka are getting 900MW power at a bundled tariff of Rs. 3.30/unit for a period of 25 years.
- Balance capacity of 1400MW will be available to grid by Dec 2018.
Speaking at the launch, Shri. Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Karnataka said “Development and economic growth of a nation occurs when its people become partners in the development process. Karnataka is where development of the people translates into development of the State. As a result of the efforts of the people, today, Karnataka has emerged as the third largest producer of renewable energy in the nation and is taking bold strides towards emerging as an energy surplus State. It is the people who have empowered us on our journey. Since 2013-14, consequent to the participation of people, the Energy sector has undergone massive transformation. We have set the goal to source at least 20% of people’s power requirements from renewable projects. It is indeed a victory for the people that today, Karnataka is home to the world’s largest Solar Park of 2,000 MW capacity at Pavagada. We pledge our unwavering support and guidance at each step of this journey towards exponential power for the people.”
Behind Karnataka’s power packed performance is a man of the people. The massive transformation of Karnataka’s Power Sector, spanning renewable and conventional energy sources, is consequent to the inclusive ideas, innovations, policies and initiatives being taken by Shri. D.K Shivakumar, Minister of Energy, Govt. of Karnataka, and a man who performs. Powered by his vision to transform the energy-scape of the State, Karnataka has, for the first time, recorded a massive capacity of 23,379 MW by end of January 2018 in just four years. The State has been awarded for Excellence in Renewable Energy by Government of India.
“Pavagada, in Tumkur district is one of the most arid regions of our state. Over the last 5 decades, due to extreme weather conditions and low possibilities of economic growth, more than 10,000 people had migrated annually from Pavagada. To solve this problem, we are building the world’s largest Solar Power Park of 2000 MW in Pavagada Taluk on mission mode. This ambitious project, spanning five villages, looks at farmers as the key partners, as also beneficiaries. Shakti Sthala is creating new job opportunities and economic growth leading to the prosperity of the people of Pavagada.” D.K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Minister for Energy, Government of Karnataka
“We are on a mission to give more power to the people and ensure people’s participation in the quest for unlimited power at each step of every initiative, by making them shareholders, stakeholders, partners and beneficiaries. From the thousands of solar farmers to youth, women, students, energy corporations, the participation of the people in Karnataka’s power sector has been truly remarkable. Over the past four years, many innovative initiatives and practices have been undertaken to ensure that people have uninterrupted access to power, and it is the people who have helped us as partners and stakeholders” he added.
The Powerscape of Karnataka is transforming. From 14030 MW capacity in 2012-13, the state has witnessed an overall increase in capacity to 23379 MW as on January 2018. Power generated through Hydel, Thermal, Nuclear and Biomass, and the efforts of Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd. (KPCL) and Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd. (KPTCL) are resulting in more power for the people. Promotion and deployment of large scale energy efficiency measures are being undertaken. Consequently, the people of Karnataka are swiftly moving ahead on the quest to power self-sufficiency.
At the launch of the Shakti Sthala, Sri. D.K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Minister for Energy, Government of Karnataka also unveiled the Coffee Table book that celebrates this People’s Participation in Power “we thank the people who have partnered with us in our efforts to take the state of Karnataka to the zenith of power self sufficiency” he said.