Karnataka’s Solar Revolution: CM Siddaramaiah to Inaugurate Mega Kusum-C Scheme at Gauribidanur on June 11

News Flash

09 June

State’s Largest 20 MW Solar Unit to Power 6.19 Lakh Irrigation Pump Sets—Farmers Set to Reap Benefits of Daytime Electricity

Bengaluru: In a historic leap toward renewable energy and farmer welfare, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will inaugurate Karnataka’s first and largest solar substation under the Kusum-C Scheme on June 11, 2025, at Netaji Stadium, Gauribidanur. The project, hailed as a game-changer in agricultural power supply, aims to solarise electricity feeders and provide uninterrupted daytime electricity to lakhs of farmers.

At a curtain-raiser press conference, Energy Minister K.J. George announced that the Kusum-C Scheme, which was shelved earlier, is now being aggressively implemented under the current government’s leadership.

"This initiative guarantees quality, affordable, and reliable daytime power to farmers’ irrigation pump sets. It is a major milestone in Karnataka’s clean energy and rural empowerment journey," said Energy Minister K.J. George.

20 MW Solar Unit in Gauribidanur: Karnataka’s Largest Yet

The first phase of the Kusum-C Scheme features a 20 MW solar power plant spread across 60 acres in Hanumenahalli and Charakamattenahalli villages of Thondebhavi Hobli, Gauribidanur Taluk. The project will power around 6.19 lakh agricultural pump sets, drastically cutting power costs and enhancing productivity for farmers.

“This is Karnataka’s largest installation under Kusum-C so far, which is why Gauribidanur has been chosen as the launch site,” said the minister, adding that land has been leased from private owners for 25 years to facilitate this green transformation.

Scheme Details, Implementation & Benefits

• 2,400 MW Target by December 2025

• 200 MW feeder-level plants already completed

• 545 MW across 93 locations to become operational soon

• ₹1.05 crore/MW subsidy from the central government

• Electricity purchase price capped at ₹3.17/unit by KERC

• Private RESCO developers to build and operate plants

Under the model, solar units will be set up near power substations, making transmission and maintenance more efficient. Generated solar energy will be directly fed into the local agricultural electricity feeders, ensuring localised, high-quality, and steady power for irrigation.

Transparent Land Use & Revenue Allocation

The project promotes equitable development through structured land usage:

🗨️ "For each megawatt of power, 4 acres of land are required. Where government land is available, it will be provided free. Otherwise, private landowners will receive ₹25,000/acre annually on lease," the minister clarified.

These lease payments will be deposited into the District Collector’s account and utilized for rural development initiatives, including:

• Upgrading government schools

• Building Anganwadis

• Improving village water supply systems

Local MLAs, district ministers, and collectors will ensure transparent and need-based fund allocation at the Panchayat level.

Top Dignitaries to Attend Inauguration

The June 11 event will be graced by an impressive roster of dignitaries, including:

• Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy Prahlad Joshi

• Union Minister of State Shripad Yesso Naik

• Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar

• Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda

• District Minister Dr. M.C. Sudhakar

• Gauribidanur MLA Puttaswami Gowda

• Senior officials from BESCOM, KREDL, and the Energy Department

Key officials present at the press briefing included:

• Gaurav Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary (Energy)

• Dr. Shivashankar N., MD, BESCOM

• K.P. Rudrappaiah, MD, KREDL

• H.J. Ramesh, Technical Director, BESCOM