Karnataka Targets 24 GW Power Capacity with Over Rs 3 Lakh Crore Investment Plan
Karnataka is targeting an installed electrical capacity of approximately 24 GW over the next five years, requiring sector investments exceeding Rs 3 lakh crore, according to The Hindu. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar presented the energy roadmap during the curtain-raiser event for the Global Investors Meet 2027 in Bengaluru. The upcoming global investment summit is scheduled to take place between 20 and 22 April 2027, bringing together international business delegates, trade bodies, and diplomats. Shivakumar stated that the administration seeks to expand energy infrastructure to transform Karnataka into a clean industrial manufacturing center.
Regional Industrial Growth and Clean Energy Heritage
Recalling the state's historical leadership in power generation, Shivakumar noted that Asia's first hydroelectric power generating plant was established at Shivanasamudra in 1902. To address regional development disparities, the state government is prioritizing industrial infrastructure and logistics connections beyond Bengaluru. Enhanced transport networks, industrial parks, and airport links are being developed across tier-two urban centers including Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi, Tumakuru, and Kalaburagi. The administration reported conducting consultations with over 200 prospective investors across the past five to six months to resolve regulatory bottlenecks. Seeking to position the state as a preferred destination, Shivakumar said Karnataka's strengths extended beyond information technology and biotechnology to semiconductors, machine tools, and electric mobility. Karnataka has mapped renewable energy projects and developed a single-window digital platform to provide investors with comprehensive project information, according to ThePrint.
Project Grounding and Regulatory Approvals
Large and Medium Industries Minister M.B. Patil stated that Karnataka converted approximately 65% of manufacturing investment commitments from its prior Global Investors Meet into operational projects. The state had previously secured overall investment pledges totaling approximately Rs 10.27 lakh crore, with official efforts now focused on translating proposals into operational factories. Patil noted that over 35 of the 55 policy recommendations submitted by industry representatives during the Uthpadana Manthana dialogue had been implemented. Under the Karnataka Industries (Facilitation) Act, eligible investors can initiate project work through an affidavit-based declaration while statutory clearances are processed concurrently. Patil indicated that industrial growth was increasingly expanding across electronics, aerospace, electric mobility, steel, cement, and life sciences. Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited is building thousands of kilometres of new transmission lines and super-grid substations while operating with transmission losses of under 3%, according to ThePrint. Major projects include the 2,000 MW Sharavathy Pumped Storage Project and large-scale battery storage, according to Sarkaritel. In 2026, Karnataka's renewable energy capacity reached 27,442 MW, recording approximately 371.2% growth over the 2016–2026 decade, according to Saur Energy.
Industrial Expansion and Dedicated Regional Summits
Karnataka's aerospace and defence manufacturing sector has attracted capital investments exceeding Rs 60,000 crore while generating roughly 60,000 employment positions. State planners are targeting the creation of an additional 5 lakh jobs across advanced manufacturing, electric mobility, semiconductors, and green energy. The Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board launched a digital land bank to allow prospective enterprise buyers to examine online. Preparatory initiatives ahead of the 2027 summit will include international roadshows and an investment conclave in North Karnataka covering Kalyana Karnataka and Kittur Karnataka.