Namma SAFARI Model offers data-driven insights for Karnataka's climate goals
Namma SAFARI, a first-of-its-kind integrated system dynamics model enabling policymakers, researchers, and planners to explore low-carbon development pathways, was launched at an event at the Bangalore International Centre on Thursday.
Developed by the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), a research-based think- tank, Namma SAFARI intends to simulate growth across key sectors such as power, industry, transport, buildings, agriculture, and land use, while tracking resource use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Namma SAFARI dashboard offers policymakers and other stakeholders an intuitive, interactive platform to simulate scenarios, tweak variables, and design actionable roadmaps for a greener Karnataka.
It is claimed to be Karnataka's first comprehensive long-term planning tool tailored to the State's unique development needs and climate goals.
Participating in the launch event, Rajeev Gowda, former MP, spoke about the need for modelling studies that inform policies by looking at long-term future scenarios and highlighted that maintaining dialogue with policymakers is important.
As part of a panel discussion at the event, N. Amaranath, CEO, Karnataka Solar Power Development Corporation Limited (KSPDCL), pointed out that globally, the expansion of large-scale solar capacity faces significant land-use challenges, particularly in balancing food security, forestry, and urbanisation goals. This makes the prospect of meeting all energy needs through electrification alone seem highly unrealistic for a country like India.
Key insights from the model
Insights from the model showed that while Karnataka's electricity demand is projected to soar, driven by massive electrification across sectors, a green shift is possible. If no new coal plants are built and renewables are ramped up, GHG emissions could fall from 400 MT to just 50 MT by 2050.
Green construction materials, rooftop solar, and passive cooling strategies could cut building-related electricity demand by 25%, while making houses more comfortable and energy-efficient. Shifting from coal-heavy production to electric- and hydrogen-based alternatives could decarbonise two of Karnataka's most emission-intensive industries. A freight modal shift from road to rail and widespread electric vehicle adoption can slash diesel use and transport emissions.
Insights from the model also underline the importance of solar pumps, micro-irrigation, and millet cultivation in reducing agriculture's massive electricity footprint, and highlight that renewables paired with battery and hydro storage will be the backbone of Karnataka's green energy transition. Policies around time-of-day tariffs and storage incentives are critical.
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