Karnataka inks Rs 5,000 crore MoU with GAIL for 1 GW renewable energy push
Bengaluru: With a proposed investment of Rs 5,000 crore, Karnataka Government and Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), the country’s leading public sector enterprise in natural gas sector, entered into an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Bengaluru on Friday to establish 1 GigaWatt of renewable energy capacity in the State.
The MoU was signed between Karnataka Government and GAIL in presence of Minister of Large and Medium Scale Industries M.B. Patil, Minister of Energy K.J. George, Executive Director of GAIL Parivesh Chugh among other officials.
At the MoU signing function, M.B. Patil said “GAIL can initiate the projects by acquiring lands from farmers on a lease basis or we will facilitate land allocation through Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB)” and assured GAIL “Necessary approvals, registration and concessions will be provided swiftly by the State Government.”
By signing MoU, Patil said, “Will enable GAIL to explore and develop a diversified renewable energy portfolio including ground-mounted solar, rooftop solar, floating solar, wind energy and mandated storage solutions.”
The Minister said Karnataka’s favourable policy framework, skilled labour force and land availability make it an ideal partner for companies focused on sustainability.
The MoU with GAIL, Minister of Energy said “The MoU marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration between GAIL and Karnataka Government to build a cleaner, greener future that contributes meaningfully to the State’s economic growth and climate objectives.”
George pointed to GAIL that the Pavagada Solar Park in Tumakuru district is producing 2050 MegaWatt of energy annually and famers over there are ready to provide an additional 10,000 acres for a solar project there.
“The partnership with GAIL would strengthen Karnataka’s standing as a green energy hub while also generating employment and boosting infrastructure,” said George.
