Karnataka assures uninterrupted power supply after disruptions at Intel R&D campus in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Energy Department on Tuesday held a high-level review meeting to streamline power supply arrangements for chipmaker Intel design house, SRR4, on Sarjapur Road in Bengaluru and ensured enhanced reliability and uninterrupted operations.

Gaurav Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy Department, chaired the meeting.

Sources said Intel India representatives highlighted issues concerning intermittent disruptions and their reliance on grid power supported by gas and diesel backup.

Gupta, who emphasised a long-term and sustainable approach, underlined that grid power should serve as the primary base load, with gas and diesel used only as secondary and emergency options.

"A series of immediate and strategic measures was discussed and agreed upon to enhance supply reliability. Among the proposed measures are: immediate augmentation of 2 MVA power within 24 hours, a short-term solution involving laying an 800-metre cable from Global Tech Park within 15 days, a medium-term infrastructure upgrade where KPTCL undertakes 220 kV underground cable work from Hagadur to Exora, to be completed within 45 days, and a long-term solution involving Intel establishing a dedicated 66 kV substation within Intel's premises," the department said in a statement.

The department met Intel representatives because its Bengaluru campus is the company's largest R&D hub outside the US and is a key engine behind Intel’s global chip design, software development and innovation efforts.

"SRR4 Intel Campus in Bangalore is part of Intel’s large R&D and engineering footprint in India, and it plays a critical role in Intel’s global operations,” the department said.