Pavagada is a small town in Tumkur district of karnataka, where a 2000 MW capacity solar park is being set up. The project is currently under development and is expected to be completed by 2018. The park is said to be the world’s largest solar park, occupying 12000 acres of land space. The project was commissioned in June 2017 and is one of the most significant projects in the state’s history. Karnataka has become a role model for rest of the Indian states by incorporating massive development in the solar energy, which not only combats pollution but also develops the region entirely.
Pavagada was chosen as the site for this remarkable project because it is located 180 km from Bengaluru and is attached to the border of Andhra pradesh. It is blessed with abundant sunshine during most parts of the year – the sole need for setting up any photovoltaic system. Pavagada is one of the most backward areas of Karnataka and it has been declared drought hit more than 50 times in last seven decades. Water scarcity has resulted in withering away many crops every year, resulting in poor earnings for the farmers. Establishing a solar park here will result in solving many of problems of this region. Even employment opportunities will increase and it will promote better farming facilities in the region. The solar park could yet generate 4000 jobs for the local youth.
The first phase will be ready by December 2017, which will generate 600MW. This project is jointly ventured by Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd and Solar Energy Corporation of India.
The Karnataka Solar Power Development Corporation Ltd was formed to keep a check on the functioning of this project. The park is also sponsored and co developed by MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy) and the state government. The project will boost the creation of many small scale industries, hotels, real estate and many more. After its completion, the park will be one of the largest solar parks of the world.
India is on the verge of becoming one of the largest solar markets and to make this dream come true, every state of the country will have to take measures. Many such programmes are already established like Bhadla solar park in Rajasthan, Kamuthi solar power project in Tamil Nadu, Charanka solar park in Gujarat, Sakri solar park in Maharashtra, Welspun solar project in Madhya Pradesh, Dhirubhai Ambani solar park in Rajasthan. Apart from these, upcoming large scale solar collaborations are the 750 MW solar power plant in Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh, Kurnool ultra solar power plant, Ananthapuram ultra Mega solar park. All these ventures are helping to establish the country as a world leader in solar power.