Karnataka achieves milestone as green energy powers 80% of state’s supply

Karnataka set a new milestone in the energy sector on Monday, generating 143 million units (MU) of electricity from renewable sources and meeting nearly 80 percent of the state’s power demand through green energy.

According to the state energy department, the share of renewables in Karnataka’s grid has recently risen to between 75 percent and 85 percent, thanks to strong wind and solar output coupled with lower electricity demand during the monsoon.

“Electricity generation from renewable sources has increased significantly. About 75-85 percent of the demand is currently being met through these sources. Particularly, wind power generation has grown substantially, with an average of 54 MU being generated daily,” said a senior department official. “Renewable energy provides power at lower costs, reducing the government’s financial burden.”

Heavy rains across Karnataka have sharply reduced electricity consumption, which now stands at 179.03 MU- down from 200.35 MU in the same period last year. While annual average demand this year is about 15 percent higher, usage on August 18 was 21 MU lower due to reduced agricultural consumption.

Since the onset of the monsoon, more than 50 MU per day has been generated from wind, with output peaking at 65.8 MU on August 18. Solar and hydro sources contributed 22.6 MU and 55.3 MU respectively, while thermal power accounted for only 15–25 percent of generation.

“Summer demand was expected to cross 350 MU per day, but pre-monsoon showers kept it within 320–330 MU. With the onset of rains, demand fell to as low as 230 MU. Now, increased wind and solar generation have reduced the need for power purchased from central stations, bringing down costs,” the department added.

“It is possible to generate electricity at a lower cost from renewable sources. This reduces the government’s burden, which is why priority is given to these sources. It also lessens the load on hydro and thermal power plants, ensuring better supply during peak summer demand,” said KJ George, Karnataka’s energy minister.

“Through initiatives such as solar parks and wind projects, Karnataka is steadily expanding its renewable capacity. This achievement reflects our strategies to meet ambitious clean energy goals,” said Gaurav Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, Energy Department.

With 25 GW of its 35 GW installed capacity already coming from renewable sources, Karnataka is also pursuing pumped hydro and battery storage projects to address intermittency and reduce dependence on thermal generation. Energy department officials said the August 18 record places Karnataka among the frontrunners globally in integrating renewables into the grid, aligning with India’s broader net-zero commitments.

This article has been republished from The Moneycontrol.com