Solar units to support 45 power substations
It was mentioned that the daily demand for electricity in the Belagavi district exceeds 800 MW. In an effort to address this issue, a plan was devised to install solar panels on building roofs, generate electricity, and sell it to companies. Following the same model, the government has now decided to install a solar power plant to generate electricity for summer use.
Currently, steps have been taken by the central government to meet the demand for electricity by establishing large solar power generation units near power substations. The 'PM Kusuma Yojana', which is ready to be implemented in collaboration with both central and state governments, is expected to significantly contribute to power generation. The Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Corporation (KREDL) under Hescom has been tasked with the installation of solar power units.
In terms of the scope within the Belagavi district, a target of 153.85 MW power generation has been set under the PM Kusuma Yojana. Consequently, it is aimed to establish solar power plants near 45 substations. Surveys have been conducted for locations including Khanapur, Savadatti, Bailhongal, Ramdurg, Gokak, Mudalagi, Kagwad, Athani, and Chikkodi taluks. Among these, 39 locations have been identified, and officials are actively searching for land in many more places.
It has been emphasized that there is a requirement for space within a 10 km radius of power substations to facilitate the connection of solar power units to power substations through feeders. The search for suitable spaces began in the district in January. Praveen Kumar Chikkade, superintendent engineer at Hescom, stated that government land is being sought to establish solar units under the PM Kusuma Yojana. If government land is unavailable, the plan includes acquiring land from bidders on an annual rental basis.