Karnataka has emerged as the top producer of renewable energy in the country for 2018, with a cumulative installed capacity of 12,640MW and also the only state to have 5265.26 MW of installed solar capacity, reports Deccan Chronicle (DC). Karnataka earlier toppled Tamil Nadu, with a capacity of 12.3 GW, to claim the top spot in the country.

Karnataka also has a larger installed capacity of renewable energy than developed European nations like Denmark and Netherlands. The state boasts of a clean energy mix consisting of 5 GW of solar, 4.7 GW of wind, and around 2.6 GW of other renewables such as small hydro, biomass, and heat and power co-generation.

On the other hand, its thermal power capacity, standing at 9.8 GW, is less than its renewable energy. By 2028, the Karnataka is expected to derive 60 per cent of its energy from renewable sources.

Karnataka will also be home to the first Climate Change Lab and it will be set up by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The lab is expected to provide support for research, training and capacity building in climate change programmes.

On 2 March 2018, the Karnataka Government inaugurated the world’s largest solar park to harness its solar potential. Known as Shakti Sthala, the park is located around 180 km from Bengaluru in the Pavagada region of the Tumkur district.

Also Read: Why The World Is Betting High On India’s Renewable Energy Sector

Karnataka Solar Policy

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