Hospet and Bidar would be transformed into solar cities as part of a Rs 1,323.5 crore project that also calls for the construction of two 200 MW floating solar plants in the backwaters of the Tungabhadra and Karanja lakes. The Union Government has received comprehensive project studies for producing a total of 270.5 MW of electricity to meet the requirements of the two cities.
The proposal calls for Bidar and Hosapete to become environmentally friendly by 2025. The two cities were chosen in accordance with the Center’s regulations, which gave equal weight to the city’s historical significance and its solar potential, which is quite rich in numerous regions of the state, according to a representative investigating renewable energy projects in Karnataka.
The project aims to promote green mobility by promoting the use of electric vehicles by installing charging stations in both cities, in addition to utilising the potential of dams, canals, home rooftop panels, and recycling plants facilities.
By 2025, Hosapete’s electricity needs are expected to grow to 0.53 million units per day. At a projected cost of Rs 655.7 crore, the project aims to produce 134.5 MW of power. By 2025, Bidar is anticipated to need 0.52 million units per day, and the project aims to produce 136 MW for a price of Rs 667.8 crore.
According to Gescom, solar facilities with 1,500 MW and 700 MW capacities can be built on the 3,200 acres in Karanja and the 7,500 acres of water distributed out over the Tungabhadra reservoir, respectively. Officials want to test the waters with 100 MW plants apiece in the experimental project, though.
Additionally, electricity will be produced from the 92 tonnes of Bidar and the 110 tonnes of solid garbage that Hosapete inhabitants generate each day. To draw visitors, a small solar park will also be built close to Hampi University. G Kumara Naik, the department’s additional chief secretary, said: “Further action will be taken in accordance with the government’s directives.”