Mumbai, Oct. 27 -- Karnataka plans to develop 1,000 MW of ground-mounted solar photovoltaic capacity integrated with a 2,000 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), as electricity demand rises and concerns over water availability intensify. The state has also begun preparations to expand decentralised solar generation across 23 villages under the Centre's PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.

Karnataka Power Corporation (KPCL) has invited bids for the proposed solar-plus-storage project. The selected developer will identify and acquire or lease land, establish the facilities, and undertake their operation and maintenance. The storage system is designed to hold electricity generated during daylight hours for use when demand is higher or solar output is unavailable.

The project forms part of Karnataka's wider effort to combine renewable generation with storage infrastructure. In February 2026, Karnataka Renewable Energy Development (KREDL) awarded Pace Digitek a project for a 250 MW solar plant integrated with a 250 MW/1,100 MWh BESS at Pavagada Solar Park in Tumakuru district.

Separately, KREDL is seeking a consultant to prepare detailed project reports, bills of quantities, technical specifications and funding documents for 23 model solar villages. The villages are located across the Bengaluru, Belagavi and Kalaburagi revenue divisions, covering districts including Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Chikkaballapura, Kolar, Tumakuru, Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Haveri, Vijayapura, Bagalkot, Dharwad, Belagavi, Kalaburagi, Raichur and Ballari.

The assessment will examine electricity demand and the scope for community solar installations, rooftop systems on public buildings, solar-powered street lighting and solar pumps for eligible community groups. It will also assess whether local renewable resources can meet demand throughout the day or enable net-zero electricity consumption over a year. Under the Model Solar Village component of PM Surya Ghar, each selected village is eligible for central assistance of Rs. 10 mn. KREDL is separately pursuing a 300 kW green hydrogen plant at KPCL's premises in Ballari, with the contractor responsible for operation and maintenance for 10 years.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.