Karnataka generates 200MW solar power under Kusum-C; 545MW to follow

Under the Kusum-C scheme, which aims to solarise agricultural feeders and provide daytime electricity supply to farmers' pumpsets, 200MW of electricity is being produced. In the coming months, 545MW of electricity will be generated, stated energy minister KJ George.Speaking to reporters after the energy department's progress review meeting of Hassan district, held on Friday at the Zilla Panchayat hall in the city, George said, "Under the Kusum-C scheme, construction of solar units with a capacity of around 200MW is completed. In the next few months, solar units with a capacity of 545MW will be commissioned at 93 locations. This will help provide an adequate daytime electricity supply to farmers.""The state govt has set a target of generating 2,400MW of solar electricity through feeder solarisation of agricultural pumpsets under the Kusum-C scheme. Recently, chief minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated a solar power unit established under the Kusum-C scheme in Gauribidanur. The feeder solarisation work is progressing at a rapid pace," the energy minister added.Under the Kusum-C scheme, generating 1MW of electricity requires 4 acres of land. If govt land is available, CM Siddaramaiah has directed that it be allocated free of cost. However, private power producers must pay ₹25,000 per acre, which will be deposited with the district commissioner and used to improve govt schools and anganwadis in villages where the substations are located, the minister elaborated."If private land is used, developers awarded the power generation contracts will lease the land and pay landowners a minimum of ₹25,000 per acre," George said.

Of the 4 lakh unauthorised irrigation pumpsets in the state, 3 lakh are already regularised. For pumpsets within 500m of power feeders, transformers will be installed by the department. Those beyond 500m will receive solar pumpsets under the Kusum-B scheme, he said.

Earlier, during a progress review meeting, the district MLAs raised issues concerning the energy department in their constituencies. In response, George instructed the CESC MD to take swift action and reiterated that officials should proactively consult elected representatives and follow through on their suggestions. MP Shreyas Patel, MLA and Housing Board chairman KM Shivalingegowda, MLAs K Manju, Swaroop Prakash, CN Balakrishna, HK Suresh, and S Manjunath were present.