Karnataka inks pact with GAIL for 1 GW renewable energy project

For this ₹5,000 crore project GAIL plans to develop a diversified renewable energy portfolio in the state including ground-mounted solar, rooftop solar, floating solar, wind energy and the required storage solutions.

The Karnataka government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with GAIL (India) Limited to establish 1 GW of renewable energy capacity in the state with an estimated investment of ₹5,000 crore. The initiative is part of Karnataka’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a leading green energy hub in India.

GAIL plans to develop a diversified renewable energy portfolio in the state, including ground-mounted solar, rooftop solar, floating solar, wind energy and the required storage solutions. The projects will be implemented through land acquisition on a lease basis from farmers or with support from the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) for land allocation. The state government has assured swift facilitation of approvals, registrations, and applicable concessions to accelerate the process.

GAIL is also looking to acquire suitable land within the state’s solar parks to speed up implementation under its capital expenditure strategy. This partnership is expected to not only enhance Karnataka’s renewable energy capacity but also contribute significantly to employment generation and infrastructure development in the region.

Karnataka already hosts one of the largest solar parks in the country—Pavagada Solar Park—which produces 2,050 MW of power annually. Building on this success, local farmers have expressed willingness to offer an additional 10,000 acres of land for similar renewable energy projects, providing further scope for expansion.

The MoU was signed in the presence of M.B. Patil, Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, K.J. George, Minister for Energy and T.D. Rajegowda, chairman of Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL).