India is poised at the threshold of a new energy transition. The Government of India has taken some major initiatives towards accelerating development of sustainable energy in the country. Yet there is much that needs to be done, both at the state and national levels for India to tackle the challenges of fossil fuel depletion, energy security and climate change, and lead the country towards a sustainable energy system.

State-level sustainable initiatives are important as they form the building blocks of a sustainable transition at the national level.  Among the states, Karnataka has a very high renewable energy (RE) potential. While the state has a grid-connected RE potential of more than 28 GW, only 3.5 GW has been tapped so far. This includes 2,029 MW of wind, 87 MW of biomass, 694 MW of bagasse co-generation, 618 MW of small hydro, and 9 MW of solar. Wind and solar power offer the maximum potential, with an untapped capacity of 11 GW and 9 GW respectively. Obviously the huge untapped RE potential also creates a huge investment opportunity, especially in the wind and solar sectors. Significant potential also exists for the small hydro, bagasse co-generation, and biomass sectors.

With an RE Policy that envisions generation of 6,600 MW of renewable electricity by 2014, and a Renewable Purchase Specification of 7%-10% already in place, Karnataka is definitely moving in the right direction. The state has also attracted big names from the wind and solar industry, with major companies setting up shop in the state.

The World Institute of Sustainable Energy (WISE), Pune, has been closely associated with the RE sector in Karnataka, undertaking various projects and supporting policy formulation for the state. Notably, WISE has prepared the ‘Clean Energy Technology Action Plan for Climate Mitigation for Karnataka’, and also come out with a project report for ‘Capacity Building and Strengthening of the Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL)’. With the support of the Government of Karnataka, WISE also organised a high-level workshop on Karnataka's RE policy—immediately after its formulation—to gather stakeholder feedback. Another important assignment carried out by WISE for KREDL was the ‘Preparation of a Solar Roadmap for Karnataka’. The current conference is another step
towards continuing WISE’s commitment to RE development in Karnataka.