Karnataka Energy Minister K.J. George announced that all future solar power plants in the state will be required to include battery storage systems. The directive aims to enhance the state’s renewable energy infrastructure and ensure round-the-clock energy availability.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of a fully automated 5 GWh Battery Energy Storage unit by Pace Digitek’s Lineage Power at Bidadi.
“The solar energy produced during the day needs to be stored for nighttime use. To make this possible, every solar power plant in the state will need to integrate battery storage systems capable of storing at least two hours of energy,” said George.
He underlined the critical role of energy storage in supporting Karnataka’s renewable energy goals. “Renewables currently contribute around 65 percent of the state’s power generation. While solar and wind power generation have seen substantial growth, effective storage is essential for ensuring grid stability and demand-side energy management. The central government is also backing storage initiatives, and it is encouraging to see private sector involvement in this space,” he added.
Reflecting on Karnataka’s pioneering role in the energy sector, George noted, “Our state has a long-standing legacy in power generation. Asia’s first hydroelectric power plant was commissioned here during Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar’s reign. We are committed to building on that foundation.” He went on to highlight the upcoming pumped storage project at Sharavathi, approved by the central government, and expressed gratitude to Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi for his support.
Outlining the state’s energy storage roadmap, the minister said that despite generating surplus electricity, Karnataka lacks sufficient storage capacity. To bridge this gap, several major projects are in the pipeline: a 2000 MW pumped storage facility at Sharavathi, 1500 MW at Varahi, 1000 MW at Pavagada, and a 2000 MW battery storage facility at Rapte. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Sharavathi project has already received clearance from the Central Electricity Authority. It will be developed between Talakalale in Shivamogga and the Gerusoppa reservoirs in Uttara Kannada, downstream of Linganamakki.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, who also attended the inauguration, emphasized the national importance of energy storage. “Battery storage is essential to the success of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The central government is prioritizing storage infrastructure so that renewable energy sources like solar and wind can be effectively utilized even when they’re not generating power,” Joshi said.
He praised Karnataka’s leadership in this area, particularly the Sharavathi and Varahi projects, and encouraged entrepreneurs to seize emerging investment opportunities in the sector. “Just as electricity, television, the internet, and smartphones transformed our lives, the next big leap will come through battery storage systems. They will change the way we consume and manage power,” Joshi added.
Several dignitaries were present at the event, including MLA and KREDL Chairman T.D. Rajegowda, MLA S.R. Mahesh, KREDL Managing Director K.P. Rudrappaiah, Prakashnath Swamiji, Avadhoota Vinay Guruji, and Pace Digitek-Lineage Power CMD Venugopal Rao.
