Karnataka aims 25,000 MW renewable energy target in five years: Gaurav Gupta
Bengaluru : Karnataka is set to significantly scale up its renewable energy capacity, with the state targeting 25,000 MW of generation in the next five years, Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy Department Gaurav Gupta said on Thursday.
Speaking at an event jointly organised by Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) and Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), Gupta emphasised the need for collaboration between investors, the government, and the public to achieve this ambitious target.
The event also marked the release of the book “How Can India Make Its Renewable Future, A Responsible One”, which focuses on sustainable pathways for energy transition in the country.
Gupta noted that while Karnataka has emerged as a leader in renewable energy, scaling up capacity to 25,000 MW will require overcoming several structural and social challenges. “Public cooperation is crucial. Investors alone cannot drive this transformation. People must understand the long-term benefits of renewable energy for development and sustainability,” he said.
One of the key challenges highlighted was land acquisition, which often becomes a contentious issue. Local communities, particularly farmers, have expressed concerns about the impact of large-scale renewable energy projects on their livelihoods. At the same time, investors view delays in land acquisition and approvals as major hurdles.
Addressing these concerns, Gupta said the government has taken steps to simplify land acquisition and land conversion processes. “We have streamlined procedures and introduced dedicated online portals to make it easier for farmers to convert land for renewable energy projects,” he explained.
Under the new system, investors can directly engage with farmers and register agreements online, enabling faster implementation of projects. The initiative is expected to reduce bureaucratic delays and create a more investor-friendly environment while ensuring transparency.
Karnataka’s push towards renewable energy is aligned with India’s broader goal of increasing clean energy capacity and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Experts at the event stressed that responsible and inclusive growth will be key to ensuring that renewable expansion does not come at the cost of local communities.
With policy support, digital reforms, and stakeholder engagement, the state government is optimistic about meeting its ambitious target and strengthening Karnataka’s position as a renewable energy hub in the country.
