TUMAKURU: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Energy Minister K J George visited the mega solar park in Pavagada on Wednesday.
The solar park near Tirumani in Pavagada taluk is said to be one of the largest solar parks in the world. Developed by Karnataka Solar Power Development Corporation Ltd (KSPDCL), it is a joint venture of Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL) and Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI).
The two ministers then visited the solar park and the KSPDCL master substation, PGCIL substation where they were briefed about the strides the state is making in energy development and the tangible benefits it brings to the nation.
Energy Minister K J George said, “Pavagada Solar Park is a groundbreaking solar energy facility and a shining example of our commitment to clean and sustainable energy solutions. Our aim is to strengthen the bond between the government and the renewable energy industry, encouraging collaboration, fostering investment, and exploring new avenues for growth and job creation in the sector”.
“The solar park has already made significant contributions to our nation’s clean energy goals. With its state-of-the-art photovoltaic panels, cutting edge technology, advanced energy storage systems, and efficient grid integration, the park has the capacity to generate 4.5 billion units of solar energy per annum and thereby helps in abating CO2 emissions to the tune of 3.6 million tons annually. These underscore the profound impact renewable energy sources can have on our environment and the economy”, he added.
Shivakumar and George held discussions with project stakeholders, including the park’s management team, engineers and environmental specialists on the innovative approaches employed in developing and operating the solar park. The objective of the ministers’ visit was to underscore the government’s unwavering support for the renewable energy sector and highlight the achievements of Pavagada solar park.
The ministers were accompanied by Gaurav Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, Energy Department, Pankaj Kumar Pandey, managing director, KPTCL, K P Rudrappaiah, managing director, Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL), representatives from Karnataka Solar Power Development Corporation Limited (KSPCDL) and other senior officials from the department.