1.Wind Energy Growth Slows After 2016-2020 Boom
Context:
- As of May 2024, the total installed capacity of Renewable Energy (RE) in Karnataka stands at 21,990 megawatts (MW) putting the State in the fourth position in the country for installed RE projects.
- In 2023-24, RE projects with a capacity of 04 MW were commissioned.
- Although a large part of the capacity commissioned attributed to the Pavagada solar park, major strides were also seen in wind, rooftop solar and small hydro projects.
- However, from 2016-17 to 2019-20, over 1,000 MW of renewable energy projects were commissioned every year with solar and wind energy projects leading the way.
- In 2017-18, projects with a remarkable capacity of 5,120.38 MW were commissioned.
- Solar energy projects with a capacity of a whopping 3,920 MW and wind energy projects with a capacity of 875 MW were commissioned in the year. But the growth was not sustained in the
Renewable Energy (RE) in Karnataka:
- Between 2016-2020, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) had fixed a Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) of 6,000 MW for Karnataka. Hence, RE projects,
- Especially solar projects including Pavagada Solar Park, a SECI project and farmer solar plants were commissioned during the time.
- However, the MNRE did not fix an RPO again the State government also did not rigorously pursue RE projects,
Measures taken for development of key market in the State:
Green Energy Corridor
* State is strengthening its transmission infrastructure and this Policy will focus on development of Green Energy Corridor for evacuation of large-scale RE projects
Renewable Energy Parks
* Karnataka is home to one of the World’s largest solar parks “Pavagada Solar Park” with an operational capacity of 2,050 MW.
* Ministry of New and Renewable Energy identified sites for wind park development in Karnataka at Chitradurga, Davanagere and Ballary
* Chikkodi in Belgaum has highest wind potential
* Maximum Bio resource potential is in Channagiri Taluk in Davangere
Policy measures: the Karnataka Renewable Energy Policy (2022-27):
* It provides for developing the State as a hub of renewable energy generation as well as manufacturing of equipment related to renewable energy.
* It also envisages upgrading the renewable energy generation capacity of the State to 10 GW in the next five years. This includes 1 GW of rooftop solar energy. Presently, the State has renewable energy generation capacity of 15,392 MW.
* It aims at developing Karnataka as the major exporter of renewable energy to other States by utilizing the opportunities in the State for maximizing renewable energy generation.
* the new policy is focusing on creation of market for development of suitable storage capacity for the proposed increase in generation of the renewable energy.
2.Kreative Theatre to present ‘Kaaya’ at Ranga Shankara
Highlight:
- Kreative Theatre will present a bilingual drama titled ‘Kaaya’ on Friday. The play, which is a new experiment inspired by Akkamahadevi’s vachanas, is an attempt to give a taste of Akka’s vachanas to non-Kannada
- This experiment visualizes Akkamahadevi’s spiritual journey while exploring the meaning of Akkamahadevi’s verses through singing, movement and recitations.
- It has been directed by choreographer Veena Basavarajaya and music has been composed by Murali Manohar Gowda.
3.Karnataka Nataka Academy Award
Highlight:
- Karnataka Natak Academy award Triennial Annual Award Announced.
- Karnataka Nataka Academy annual award for 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 has been announced.
- Actress Umashree has been selected for the honorary award for the year 2022-23, critic HS Sivaprakash for the honorary award for the year 2023-24 and writer Kotaganahalli Ramaiah for the honorary award for the year 2024-25
1.UmashreeØ Umashree is a prominent Indian actress and politician from Karnataka, known for her work in Kannada cinema. She has appeared in over 400 films, often portraying strong comedic and supporting roles. Ø Umashree’s performances have earned her multiple awards, including the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress Ø She has been active in politics, serving as a Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly and holding ministerial positions in the state government. 2.H.S. Shivaprakash Ø H.S. Shivaprakash is a renowned Kannada poet, playwright, and scholar. Ø He is known for his contributions to contemporary Kannada literature, with works that explore themes of mythology, history, and spirituality. Ø He has also served as a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi and has been recognized with numerous literary awards.
3.Kotaganahalli Ramaiah Ø Kotaganahalli Ramaiah is a respected Kannada writer, filmmaker, and social activist. Ø His work often focuses on social issues, particularly those affecting marginalized communities in Karnataka. |
