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Karnataka State

Critical minerals, policy, and the energy transition

The Energy Transition in Karnataka, India

Karnataka, stretching from the Western Ghats to the Bayalu Seeme plains, leads India’s renewable charge. Installed capacity tops 34 GW, with more than 18 GW of wind, solar and small hydro already meeting roughly 52 % of annual demand. The 2,050 MW Pavagada Ultra Mega Solar Park anchors this portfolio, while 1,400 MW hybrid clusters in Koppal and Vijayanagara are under construction. The state has auctioned 3 GW of wind-solar hybrids paired with 1,000 MWh batteries to firm evening peaks, and a 1 GWh pumped-storage upgrade at Sharavathi will follow in 2027. Bengaluru’s e-mobility plan supports 1 GW of rooftop PV on tech campuses and a 30 MW electrolyser pilot to fuel green-hydrogen buses along the NICE corridor. Geologically, Karnataka is equally strategic. The Ballari-Hospet belt hosts high-grade iron ore for green-steel trials, Kolar and Raichur yield gold essential for electronics, and the Mandya pegmatite province contains India’s first confirmed lithium resource. Graphite in Chitradurga and coastal monazite sands rich in rare earths broaden the critical-mineral basket. By pairing abundant clean power with vital minerals and strong manufacturing, Karnataka is emerging as a southern hub for low-carbon energy and materials.

Critical Minerals produced in Karnataka
Essential Mineral Production and Products in Karnataka

A state-by-state analysis of India’s critical minerals and energy transition policies

SFA explores the state-level frontlines of India’s strategy to secure its position in the global energy transition. As demand surges for critical minerals used in electric vehicles, grid storage, solar, and hydrogen technologies, India is intensifying efforts to diversify supply, localise processing, and reduce strategic dependencies. This analysis examines how mineral endowments, state-level industrial policy, and renewable energy deployment intersect across the Indian landscape. From lithium-bearing pegmatites in Karnataka and Jammu & Kashmir to rare-earth-rich coastal sands in Tamil Nadu and Odisha, this state-by-state review highlights the opportunities and constraints shaping India’s clean-energy future and its role in global mineral security.

LithoX | Critical Minerals and the Global Energy Transition

The global energy transition to net zero is underway. Who is leading? How are supply chains being secured? How do the geopolitics vary? SFA (Oxford) provides a global overview of critical minerals, policy and legislation.

Asia

Asia's diverse geology includes significant rare earth reserves crucial for electronics and renewable energy technologies. Countries like China lead production and processing, driving economic growth while facing sustainability challenges and environmental impact.

Meet the Critical Minerals team

Trusted advice from a dedicated team of experts.

Henk de Hoop

Chief Executive Officer

Beresford Clarke

Managing Director: Technical & Research

Jamie Underwood

Principal Consultant

Ismet Soyocak

ESG & Critical Minerals Lead

Rj Coetzee

Senior Market Analyst: Battery Materials and Technologies

How can we help you?

SFA (Oxford) provides bespoke, independent intelligence on the strategic metal markets, specifically tailored to your needs. To find out more about what we can offer you, please contact us.

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