The government of Karnataka (an Indian state) recently inaugurated the first phase of the solar park in the drought-prone area of Tumkur district, which is approximately 180 km from Bangalore (officially known as Bengaluru). After completion of this solar power plant, it will produce around 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity from solar power. Located at the village Pavagada, it is poised to be the world’s largest solar park when operational.
Having spread over 13,000 acres covering five villages shall be a benchmark and have a uniqueness of common people’s participation in the power model. The first phase of this Shakti Sthal, the solar plant is expected to be soon operational, producing 600 MW of electric power.
The primary intention for having this kind of gigantic power plant as stated by the government was that with the area being a drought-affected, the farmers were on the move (this has been continuously declared as drought-hit over 54 times in the last 60 years) and the second reason is the scarcity of the electricity in the nearby towns and cities.
The development of this park was initiated by the Karnataka Solar Power Development Corp. Ltd (KSPDCL) with a joint venture between Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL) and Solar Energy Corp. of India (SECI).
This project producing clean energy is sure to give a relief to the residents of the drought-affected area. It is also creating job opportunities and economic growth in this region.