Bengaluru, 3 September 2026: Karnataka plans to increase its installed power generation capacity from more than 39 GW currently to 66 GW by 2030, with clean energy expected to account for the overwhelming share of future expansion, Karnataka Energy Department Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta said on Thursday.
Speaking at the Karnataka Focus State Session during Bharat Electricity, POWERGEN India & Indian Utility Week 2026 at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi, Gupta said the State was preparing its power sector to meet rapidly rising electricity demand while strengthening renewable energy, energy storage and grid infrastructure.
Karnataka currently has more than 39 GW of installed power capacity, with around two-thirds of its power mix coming from hydro and renewable energy sources. State is already meeting a significant portion of its daily electricity demand through green power, he said.
“Over the next decade, Karnataka will continue to expand its power capacity while ensuring that this growth remains overwhelmingly green,” Gaurav Gupta said.
Electricity demand expected to double
According to Gupta, Karnataka's electricity demand is expected to double over the next decade, driven by industrial expansion, growing electric vehicle adoption and the development of large data centres in Bengaluru, Mysuru and Mangaluru.
To prepare for this growth, Karnataka has become one of the early States to implement a Resource Adequacy Plan approved by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC).
Sharavathi project and battery storage
State's clean-energy expansion will be supported by investments in grid resilience and energy storage. Karnataka is advancing the 2,000 MW Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project and is deploying large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems at critical KPTCL substations. These projects are aimed at providing greater flexibility to the electricity grid as renewable generation increases.
State is also expanding the Pavagada Solar Park, increasing wind power capacity and promoting the solarisation of agricultural feeders through PM-KUSUM Component-C and the Chief Minister Saura Krishi Yojana (CM-SKY).
Transmission network expansion
Gupta said Karnataka's transmission network is operating with transmission losses of below 3% and that KPTCL is undertaking the construction of thousands of kilometres of new transmission lines and super-grid substations.
He also highlighted Karnataka's historical role in India's electricity sector, noting that Asia's first major hydroelectric power station was established at Shivanasamudram in 1902, while Bengaluru became the first city in South Asia to be electrified in 1905.
₹2–3 lakh crore private investment expected
Karnataka is seeking greater private participation in energy storage and transmission and expects to attract ₹2 lakh crore to ₹3 lakh crore in private investment in the power sector over the next four to five years, Gupta said.
He said the State was also responding to investor feedback, including concerns related to land regulations and project procedures. Rules and processes are being simplified and moved online to create a clearer and more seamless process for investors seeking to establish energy projects in Karnataka.
AI and digitalisation to shape renewable energy
Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL) Managing Director Divya Prabhu said Karnataka is positioning itself to lead the next phase of India's clean-energy transition, with opportunities for global partnerships in battery storage, green hydrogen and smart-grid automation.
She said digitalisation would be critical to the future growth of renewable energy. Better forecasting and prediction systems, along with digitally intelligent power networks, can make electricity generation and supply more predictable and efficient.
Prabhu also highlighted the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the energy sector, including power procurement optimisation, digital twins for simulating power networks, and predictive maintenance and asset management.
Karnataka has mapped renewable energy projects and developed a single-window digital platform providing investors with comprehensive project information, she said. Platform is aimed at making the renewable energy sector more transparent, predictable and investor-friendly.
Global energy industry gathers in New Delhi
Bharat Electricity, POWERGEN India & Indian Utility Week 2026 is being organised by the Energy & Climate Initiatives Society (ENCIS). Three-day event brings together more than 15,000 professionals, 250 exhibitors and 150 global thought leaders from 40 countries, according to the organisers.
Delegations from countries including the US, UK, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, Australia, UAE and Singapore are participating in the event, alongside major energy companies and organisations. Event is being held under the theme “Shaping Energy Sovereignty • Building Climate Resilience • Powering Viksit Bharat.”
Keywords
Karnataka power capacity, 66 GW Karnataka, Karnataka clean energy, ₹3 lakh crore investment, Sharavathi pumped storage, Gaurav Gupta, Citizen News Puttur