A tariff will be set for rooftop grid-connected solar kW-level projects with net metering facility — a system by which renewable energy can be directly sold to the grid.

The ‘Solar Karnataka’ Program aims for 25,000 solar rooftops of 5-10 KW with net metering in the coming five years and with a generation potential of 350 MU. The solar feed tariff will be Rs 13 per kWh for the first 12 years and Rs 3 from the 13th to 25th year.

An incentive of Rs 25 lakh per MW will be provided to biogas manufacturers, which will be added to the grid and sold to Escoms. There’ll be a single-window clearance for all projects by the state-level empowered committee.

The Akshaya Shakthi Nidhi (green energy fund) will invest Rs 500 crore in renewable energy through funds generated from the green cess. The total load from the industrial sector is 11,000 MU, and a 5 paise cess will help them generate adequate funds for renewable energy development.

The consortium of Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd, Akshaya Shakti Nidhi Trust and the energy department in accordance with the Karnataka State Finance Corporation will increase funds. Forest-land clearance will be achieved in four months and numerous statutory clearances in span of 90 days.

A system of renewable energy economic zone for all SEZs will be established whereby 10% of the SEZ land will be given for such energy generation. For now, the plan looks ambitious and a timely solution for the degrading power situation in this power-starved state.

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