Bengaluru, 1 July

Energy Minister KJ George, unveiled plans for a new solar park to enhance the State's renewable energy capacity, in Madhugiri, Tumakuru, on Monday.

The park will be developed in collaboration with Tehri Hydro Development Corporation India Limited (THDCIL), a Central government entity. This partnership aims to utilise local resources effectively to identify suitable land parcels for advancing State’s renewable energy objectives, ensuring sustainable development.

George also reviewed the progress of KUSUM-C project, which aims to empower farmers through solar pumps and grid-connected solar power plants. "Under the KUSUM-C project, we aim to install solar power plants requiring 4-5 acres of land to generate 1 MW of electricity. Government land will be provided free of cost for a 25-year lease, with lessees paying Rs. 25,000 per acre annually," said George.

PM KUSUM initiative, a collaborative effort between Centre and State government, seeks to transform agricultural practices by ensuring reliable and sustainable energy sources for farmers. By promoting solar power adoption, State aims to reduce dependency on traditional energy sources and contribute to environmental conservation. 

The meeting was also attended by State Home Minister G Parameshwar, who is also the district in-charge minister, cooperation minister KN Rajanna, State government special representative in Delhi TB Jayachandra, MLA K Shadakshari, BESCOM managing director Mahantesh Bilagi and Tumakuru district collector Shubha Kalyan. -Salar News/PTI