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Karnataka Introduces ‘Mukhya Mantri Saura Krishi Yojane’ to Develop 3 GW Solar Power Capacity

The government of Karnataka has unveiled a new initiative called ‘Mukhya Mantri Saura Krishi Yojane’ under the PM-KUSUM C model. Through this program, the state plans to establish 3,000 MW of solar power plants using the RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) model, with an estimated investment of Rs 10,500 crore. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during the 2026–27 state budget presentation.

The Chief Minister highlighted that decentralised feeder solarisation for irrigation pump sets is already being implemented under the KUSUM-C scheme. As part of this effort, projects totaling 2,777 MW capacity are scheduled to be executed during the current year, aiming to enhance clean energy use in agriculture.

In addition, a 1,000 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) was deployed across seven substations in the state during 2025–26. For the 2026–27 fiscal year, the government plans to install an additional 2,000 MWh BESS capacity at substations located in Huliyur, Pavagada, and Kushtagi, with an estimated investment of Rs 3,400 crore to improve grid stability and energy storage capability.

To further support the transition toward electric mobility, the state also plans to establish 1,250 electric vehicle charging stations in public locations. These will be developed with assistance from ESCOMs (Electricity Supply Companies) under the PM E-DRIVE Scheme at an estimated cost of Rs 777 crore.

Over the past three years, the state government has allocated Rs 48,000 crore under the free electricity subsidy scheme, benefiting 36 lakh irrigation pump sets and supporting around 21 lakh farmers across the state. For the current financial year, Rs 19,290 crore has been earmarked for this initiative.

The Chief Minister also stated that around 1.74 crore consumers have registered under the Gruha Jyothi Scheme, one of the state’s flagship guarantee programs. Approximately Rs 28,000 crore has been spent on the scheme over the last three years, while Rs 10,578 crore has been allocated for the current year.

To strengthen the electricity transmission network, Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited established 100 new substations in 2025–26. The government plans to add another 100 substations in 2026–27 to further enhance power infrastructure across the state.

Additionally, to support innovation in clean energy, an Incubation Centre for renewable energy startups will be established through collaboration between Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, University of New South Wales, and Indian Institute of Science. The centre will be set up with an estimated investment of Rs 20 crore to promote research, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement in the renewable energy sector.