Karnataka to contribute 10 GW to central green power pool
The state aims to provide 10 per cent of the Union Ministry of Power's 100 GW green stored power target by 2034–35.
Karnataka has committed to contributing 10 GW to the Union Ministry of Power's plan to generate 100 GW of green stored power by 2034–35, according to The New Indian Express.
The state energy department has listed 2,000 MW from the Sharavathi pumped storage project (PSP) in Shivamogga and 1,600 MW from the Saundatti power project in Belagavi to meet this goal.
However, clearance for the Sharavathi project is currently pending. The Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) stated that the Karnataka state wildlife board has referred the project to the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
KPCL officials said the project is already delayed by two years and if clearances are obtained by March 2027, completion will be by 2037. They added that if no clearances are obtained, the project will have to be scrapped.
The Sharavathi project seeks environmental, forest and wildlife clearance to use 38.984 hectares of protected forest land, including part of the Lion Tailed Macaque Reserve. The state is offering 54.15 hectares of revenue land near Melugiri village in Chikkamagaluru as compensatory afforestation.
KPCL data shows the project cost increased from Rs 8,644 crore to Rs 10,240 crore. Since 2021, Rs 382 crore has been spent before the commencement of the project.