- Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on 1 March 2018, inauguratied the first phase of the Pavagada solar park.
- After attaining of its full potential of 2000 MW, this park will become the world’s largest solar park.
- Built at an estimated cost of ₹16,500 crore, the first phase of the park has 600 MW while another 1,400 MW will be added by December 2018.
- The solar park is located in Thirumani of Tumakuru district and has been named as a ‘Shakthi Sthala’.
- The state chief minister Siddaramaiah has termed the solar park as the 8th Wonders of the World.
- .About 2,300 farmers of five villages of Pavagada taluk have leased out 13,000 acres of land at ₹21,000 per acre per annum with 5% increase once in two years.
- It is anticipated that Shakthi Sthala will help boost economic activity in the most backward and drought-prone Pavagada taluk.