The government aims to attain energy independence by installing solar power units near power substations across the country. In Belgaum district, plans are in place to target 45 substations, with 39 locations already chosen. Work is underway to locate more sites for these solar units.
To address the electricity demand exceeding 800 MW in Belgaum district, a strategy was devised to place solar panels on rooftops, produce electricity, and distribute it to businesses. Following this approach, the government has now opted to establish a solar power facility to generate electricity specifically for summer consumption.
The central government has initiated actions to address the electricity demand by establishing large-scale solar power generation units near power substations. The implementation of the “PM Kusuma Yojana,” a joint effort between the central and state governments, is anticipated to make a substantial contribution to power generation. The Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Corporation (KREDL), operating under Hescom, has been entrusted with the installation of solar power units as part of this initiative.
In Belgaum district, the PM Kusuma Yojana aims to achieve a power generation target of 153.85 MW, requiring the establishment of solar power plants near 45 substations. Surveys have been conducted in locations such as Khanapur, Savadatti, Bailhongal, Ramdurg, Gokak, Mudalagi, Kagwad, Athani, and Chikkodi taluks for potential solar plant sites. Out of these, 39 sites have been pinpointed, and authorities are actively seeking land in additional areas.
Space within a 10-kilometer radius of power substations is required to facilitate the connection of solar power units through feeders. The search for suitable spaces in the district began in January. Praveen Kumar Chikkade, superintendent engineer at Hescom, mentioned that government land is being sought for setting up solar units under the PM Kusuma Yojana. Alternatively, if government land is unavailable, the plan involves acquiring land from bidders on an annual rental basis.
