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Karnataka Reports 27.3 GW Renewable Capacity, Minister Highlights Clean-Energy Expansion
Karnataka says it already gets about 70 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources.
The state has nearly 27.3 GW of renewable energy capacity.
Solar and wind make up large parts of this capacity, along with hydro power.
Energy Minister K J George said the state wants more clean-energy investment.
He said batteries and pumped-storage projects are needed when electricity use is highest.
Karnataka has not cut electricity supplies to irrigation pumpsets so far, despite concerns linked to low rainfall.
The state borrowed electricity from Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana and plans to return it by September.
George also said BESCOM is now making a profit after improving its efficiency and financing.
Karnataka has nearly 27.3 GW of renewable energy capacity, Energy Minister K J George said.
About 70 per cent of the state’s electricity requirement is met through renewable sources, including wind, solar and hydro.
The state has more than 11.5 GW of solar and 8.5 GW of wind capacity.
Karnataka is pursuing battery storage, pumped storage, green hydrogen, electric mobility and smart-grid projects.
George said Karnataka had borrowed power from Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana and would return it by September.
- Who
- Karnataka Energy Minister K J George and the state government.
- What
- Karnataka reported nearly 27.3 GW of renewable energy capacity and outlined plans to expand clean-energy infrastructure and storage.
- Where
- At the Bengaluru leg of a roadshow for the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026; the expo will be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
- When
- The remarks were made on September 8; borrowed electricity is to be returned by September, and the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026 is scheduled for November 2–5.
- Why
- Karnataka aims to attract clean-energy investment, manage peak-hour electricity demand and build a flexible, reliable and resilient power system.
Government Position
Reported Concerns
Power availability and reliability
Government Position
K J George said there had been no cut in electricity supply to irrigation pumpsets so far and that Karnataka was borrowing power and purchasing electricity from the power exchange when needed.
Reported Concerns
Concerns were raised about possible power shortages because of deficient rainfall, while electricity availability on the power exchange could sometimes be limited.
Gruha Jyoti verification
Government Position
George said consumers were not being forced to submit PAN cards and that the benefit would be provided to those who need it.
Reported Concerns
Concerns had been raised that beneficiaries were being required to submit PAN cards during re-verification.
BESCOM borrowing
Government Position
George defended BESCOM’s loans, saying borrowed funds could create assets that would later repay the loans, and said the utility was now in profit.
Reported Concerns
The utility’s earlier losses and decision to raise loans prompted questions about its financial position and reliance on borrowing.
Key facts
- Renewable capacity
- Nearly 27.3 GW
- Renewable share
- About 70 per cent of electricity demand
- Solar capacity
- More than 11.5 GW
- Wind capacity
- 8.5 GW
- State electricity demand
- Around 18,000 MW
- Summit dates
- November 2–5, 2026
- Free-power scheme review
- About 65–70 per cent of Gruha Jyoti beneficiary re-verification completed
Quotes
K J George
Karnataka’s Energy Minister
“The renewable energy transition is no longer only an environmental imperative; it has become an important driver for economic growth, industrial development, technological innovation, employment, and energy security.”
theprint.in
“We do not have much of a problem during the daytime. Our problem is during peak hours. We need storage capacity.”
theprint.in
Sources
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