Mangaluru, Nov 19: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday said the state is expecting a huge investment in coastal districts in the area of renewable energy over the coming months.

Speaking to reporters at Bajpe International Airport, he said around Rs 2 lakh crore investment proposals have come in the area of renewable energy, hydrogen energy and production of ammonia from sea water in the just concluded Global Investors Meet (GIM).

Bommai said preparations are on to provide basic infrastructure for the production of energy and the State High level Committee has given approval for three renewable energy companies, which are expected to start work by March or April next year.

The role of coastal areas in the field of renewable energy production is very important. Two important projects -- hydrogen and ammonia production -- are coming up, Bommai said.

He added that an important ammonia manufacturing unit from the sea water will come up in and around Mangaluru.

The Chief Minister exuded confidence that a huge number of jobs will be created directly and indirectly from these projects which will open the doors of opportunity for the youth of this region.

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Bengaluru (PTI): To encourage the adoption of electric vehicles (EV), Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) announced on Friday that a special EV fair will be organised for the Secretariat employees in January 2025.

During a meeting at the BESCOM office, Managing Director Mahantesh Bilagi said, "The fair is being organised following a directive of Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh and will be conducted under the supervision of Energy Minister K J George and Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy Department Gaurav Gupta."

According to him, the event aims to educate attendees about the benefits of environmentally friendly EVs and to encourage the adoption of two-wheeled EVs.

"During the fair, dealer discounts to government employees, particularly those in the Secretariat will also be offered. There will also be opportunities for practical demonstrations of the vehicles at the exhibition site," added Bilagi.

He said the Secretariat employees will also benefit from no down payment and low-interest loans to purchase the EV vehicles.

"EV companies are eager to participate and the sales will extend beyond the exhibition, continuing in the future," the Managing Director said.

The state, particularly Bengaluru, has the highest electric vehicle (EV) users, said Bilagi, adding that to support this, the Energy Department has provided essential infrastructure.

"BESCOM's efforts in promoting EV usage have been recognised with the 'Charge India 2024 Excellence' award. This award is a testament to our commitment to establishing excellent charging facilities. Karnataka has the country's most public electric vehicle charging stations, with a total of 5,765 stations, of which 4,462 are located in the Bengaluru Urban district," said Bilagi.

The Secretariat Employees' Association president Ramesh Sanga and other office-bearers, BESCOM Technical Director H J Ramesh as well as senior officials attended the meeting.