Karnataka placed first in country for highest wind power capacity
Bengaluru, Jun 15 (PTI): Karnataka was awarded first place in the country for achieving the highest wind power capacity addition of 1,331.48 MW in the financial year 2024–25.
State Energy Minister K J George received the award from Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, during the Global Wind Day 2025 celebrations themed 'Pawan-Urja: Powering the Future of India', held in Bengaluru on Sunday.
Tamil Nadu and Gujarat followed Karnataka, adding 1,136.37 MW and 954.76 MW respectively, said a statement issued by the office of Minister George.
"This is not just a number—it is a reflection of Karnataka’s unwavering commitment to clean energy," George said after receiving the award.
He said the proactive policies, implementation capabilities, and vision have positioned Karnataka as a leader in the renewable energy landscape.
The addition of 1,331 MW in a single year demonstrates the state’s momentum in harnessing wind energy for a sustainable future, he explained.
According to him, Karnataka’s total installed wind power capacity now stands at 7,351 MW and is a testament to its consistent leadership in renewable energy.
"This achievement is symbolic of our ability to execute large-scale projects and provide clean energy to industries, farmers, and households," the minister added.
George reaffirmed Karnataka's support of the national target of 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030, of which 100 GW is projected from wind energy.
"Karnataka is preparing to implement 17 GW of wind power projects, with over 5 GW planned under the Renewable Energy Cluster Programme. Infrastructure is being strengthened through the establishment of more than 20 substations, 400 KV corridors, and a Renewable Energy Reserve Zone," he told the gathering.
George said that at the 2025 Global Investors Meet, the state signed Rs four lakh crore worth of investment agreements for renewable energy—nearly 40 per cent of the state’s total investments, further demonstrating the confidence of global and domestic investors in Karnataka’s green energy vision.
Speaking on the occasion, Joshi said he found it especially meaningful to celebrate Global Wind Day in Karnataka—the land of Hanuman, the original symbol of wind power.
Joshi was referring to the belief that Hampi in Karnataka was the ancient Kishkindha, the monkey kingdom of Ramayana era, where Hanuman was born.
The union minister underlined India’s global standing as the fourth-largest wind power generator, with an installed capacity of 51.5 GW.
"The national goal is to reach 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030, including 100 GW from wind power, of which 30 GW will come from offshore sources. Additionally, India exported 3.5 to 4 GW worth of wind turbines and modules in the current financial year," Joshi pointed out.
He also emphasised on the key challenges ahead, which are ensuring 24x7 power supply and grid stability through integration of wind, solar, and pumped storage systems.
Joshi also stressed upon prioritising competitive electricity tariffs and focusing on domestic manufacturing and exports to build India’s green energy economy.
On the occasion, the union minister released the report ‘Ramping up local manufacturing for wind turbines in India’, which outlines a roadmap for boosting domestic wind turbine manufacturing capabilities.
Karnataka Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta told the audience that the state's installed wind power capacity now surpasses the combined capacity of countries like South Africa, Portugal, and New Zealand, and is comparable to that of Sweden and Australia.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Have no personal involvement in Cong’s action against some minority leaders: Shivakumar
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday said he has no personal involvement in action taken against certain Congress leaders from the minority community following allegations of an internal conspiracy during the recently held Davanagere South bypolls.
He clarified that the decisions were taken by the party high command based on available reports.
Asserting that party discipline is of utmost importance, Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, sought to downplay concerns that action against minority leaders may send the message that “Muslims are being targeted.”
“I don’t have any personal involvement in this. Whatever decisions are taken are made by the party leadership. The party has its own reports. Decisions regarding MLAs or MLCs cannot be taken at the state level without instructions from Delhi,” he said.
Speaking to reporters, he added, “People may blame me; I am not concerned. Everyone must function in accordance with party discipline.”
Responding to concerns within sections of the party that recent actions may convey the impression that minority leaders are being targeted, he said the Congress exists for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minorities, backward classes, farmers, and all sections of society.
The Congress has suspended MLC K Abdul Jabbar from primary membership and relieved another MLC, Naseer Ahmed, from the post of Chief Minister’s political secretary.
The action followed allegations by a group of Muslim leaders that certain party members conspired to defeat the official candidate in Davanagere South.
Following the action, speculation has emerged that Housing Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan may also face disciplinary measures during the next cabinet reshuffle.
The three leaders had reportedly sought a Muslim candidate for the Davanagere South bypoll ticket, which the party instead allotted to the late MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa’s grandson, Samarth Mallikarjun.
They were also said to have not actively participated in the campaign.
Shivakumar also rejected claims of factionalism within the ruling party amid speculation that leaders close to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah were being targeted.
Naseer Ahmed and Zameer Ahmed Khan are considered close to the CM.
Rejecting allegations of factionalism within the party, Shivakumar said, “We speak to each other every day. It is the media that creates divisions. Where is my faction? Has anyone put up a board saying they belong to the Siddaramaiah faction? Have I put up any such board?”
“All 139 legislators are my people, and they are all Siddaramaiah’s people as well. Everyone belongs to the Congress,” he added, saying there are no factions within the party and that such claims are media-driven.
Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Satish Jarkiholi met Shivakumar on Friday, a day after expressing concerns that disciplinary action against minority leaders may send the wrong message.
Shivakumar said he discussed with Jarkiholi the need to decongest Bengaluru traffic by diverting vehicles entering the city from state and national highways, along with party-related issues.
“We also discussed political matters in the interest of the party and the need to work together,” he said.
Later, speaking to reporters, Jarkiholi said he discussed with Shivakumar the issue of withdrawing Jabbar’s suspension. He said he will also visit New Delhi next week to meet the high command and discuss state developments.
“Jabbar’s suspension was discussed (with Shivakumar). It should be withdrawn. Let’s issue him a notice and allow him to reply. Then let’s send the report to the high command and seek their approval. High command approval is necessary because the instructions came from there. It may take some time,” he said.
Stating that he met the KPCC chief for “damage control,” the minister said, “We have tried to convince him. Sometimes certain decisions happen that need rectification.”
_vb_33.jpeg)
