Karnataka has set aside Rs10,289 crore to electrify the energy sector, but industry experts feel that the green energy fund needs a bigger increment.
Karnataka has set aside Rs10,289 crore to electrify the energy sector, but industry experts feel that the green energy fund needs a bigger increment. For them, however, the state government's allocation of Rs100 crore for infrastructure needed to regularise pumpsets is a consolation.
"It is encouraging to learn that the government has planned to replace the existing pumpsets with energy-efficient, star-rated ones, going by the Doddaballapur pilot project," MG Prabhakara, an energy expert, commented. As of now, the state runs about 18lakh pumpsets. "This plan could save 25% of energy, which is very encouraging," he said.
On energy consumption and demand in the state, Prabhakara said: “The consumption went up to 185 million units recently. While the 500MW second unit of the Bellary Thermal Power Station and 600MW second unit of the Udupi Power Corporation will add to power generation this year, commissioning of the 500MW third unit at the Bellary plant, two units [800MW each] at Yermarus and one unit [800MW] at Edlapur may get delayed. Hence, electricity woes may not be resolved this year.”
Even though the chief minister reiterated that progress has been achieved in promoting renewable energy, lack of a special sinking fund and adequate subsidies for the sector aggravates experts.
“The Niranthara Jyothi project is one thing that we need to look at. Rs2,182 crore has been sanctioned for it. Uninterrupted flow of power is crucial for its success. Close to 1,300MW of load-shedding is happening, and it is not a bright budget, power-wise,” another expert pointed out.
Besides, construction of the 1,500MW Chhattisgarh Thermal Power Plant, Karnataka Power Corporation's 700MW gas plant at Bidadi and a 4,000MW thermal power plant by NTPC is expected to commence this year.
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