Karnataka's big bet on power play

Karnataka has unveiled a 10-year roadmap to increase its installed power capacity from over 39 GW currently to 66 GW by 2030, with the expansion expected to be overwhelmingly focused on clean energy. The interesting aspect of this growth over the next decade, is that while the state will continue to expand its power capacity, it will ensure that this growth remains overwhelmingly green. To its credit, currently, the state has more than 39 GW of installed capacity, with clean hydro and renewable sources accounting for around two-thirds of its power mix. This roadmap factors in the sharp rise in electricity demand, which is expected to double over the next decade, driven by industrial expansion, electric vehicle adoption and large data centres being planned and executed in Bengaluru, Mysuru and Mangaluru.

To meet the projected demand, the state has imple mented a Resource Adequacy Plan approved by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), and invested in strengthening grid infrastructure and energy storage. The ambitions of the state are huge considering that it aims to generate 66,360 jobs now, and is aiming for a $400 billion Bengaluru economy by 2037 Among the proposed power projects is the controversial 2,000 MW Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project, objected to by environmentalists and awaiting central clearance.The state is deploying large-scale Battery Energy Stor age Systems at critical KPTCL substations, while also expanding the Pavagada Solar Park, scaling up wind capacity and promoting solarisation of agricultural feeders under PM-KUSUM Component-C and the Chief Minister Saura Krishi Yojana.

On records, the KPTCL is operating with transmission losses of under 3 percent and is constructing thousands of kilometres of new transmission lines and super-grid substations. But to meet all these ambitions, at least Rs 3 lakh crores worth of investment is required, and the govern ment plans to rope in private investment over the next four to five years, more so in energy storage systems to build infrastructure capable of supporting renewable energy. The state is simplifying land-related regulations and project procedures online to provide investors with a clear and seamless pathway for setting up projects, one of the reasons why the state has seen a surge in in dustries from across sectors making a beeline to invest in Karnataka. Apart from a renewable thrust, the state Is seeking global partnerships in green hydrogen and smart-grid automation using state-of-the art technologies using AI. While the dreams are big, considering the develop ment happening in the state, the quantum of invest ments to come and how seamlessly the investors are able to set shop in the years to come, will determine to what extent it achieves its target, or falls short.