News: Karnataka is in the final stage of procuring an additional 10,000 acres to expand the Pavagada solar park.

Key Details & Capacity

• Karnataka currently holds nearly 27.3 GW of total renewable energy capacity.
• This capacity comprises over 11.5 GW of solar power and 8.5 GW of wind power.
• The existing Pavagada solar park already utilizes more than 10,000 acres of land.

Challenges & Technological Solutions

• Barren land availability poses a major problem for installing renewable energy projects in agriculturally progressive states like Karnataka.
• To bypass this constraint, the government is exploring Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to acquire lesser land while establishing solar power projects.

Power Security & Future Outlook

• Precautionary measures are in place to prevent power shortages despite prevailing drought conditions.
• The State has previously procured electricity from Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana through power exchange arrangements to maintain adequate supply.
• The Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo (BRESE) 2026 will take place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from November 2 to 5, 2026.