Government aims to make AP as a energy hub

Hyderabad, May 3 (INN): The Andhra Pradesh Government, which have been successful in providing 24X7 (PFA) power supply for all domestic, commercial and industrial consumers, now decided to implement the comprehensive action plan for making Andhra Pradesh as a renewable energy hub in the country in the next four years.

As part of this plan/gigantic objective the government has contemplated to achieve 5,000 MW solar power and 4,000 MW wind power by 2019 to meet the twin objectives of energy security and clean energy considerations.

Impressed with the new solar and wind policy and performance of the State of Andhra Pradesh in the power sector, KFW-the German Bank has agreed and communicated the state Government for sanctioning Rs 515 Crores at concessional rate of interest towards green energy corridor, which is a big boon for clean energy and protecting the natural resources in future for the welfare of the posterity. The Government of AP which has become No 1 in the country in the area of Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation with in the short span of over 10 months, now contemplating to constitute taskforce for expediting the renewable energy projects.

Disclosing the above details, Ajay Jain, Secretary (Energy, I&I), who has discussed with the officials about impact of solar and wind projects and the steps to be initiated by power utilities for completion of green energy corridor with an estimated cost of Rs 1,289 Crores with the support of Government of India and International Financial institutions, said that AP Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, has thanked the Government of India for sanctioning Rs.515 Crores grant for evacuation of wind power and green energy corridor.

The APTRANSCO & DISCOMs would initiate steps soon to mobilize the balance investments from Power Finance Corporation (PFC) & Rural Electrification Corporation (REC).

K Vijayanand, CMD/APTRANSCO, K Rangannadham, Advisor, Energy Dept., R. Mutyalaraju, CMD/ APEPDCL, H.Y. Dora, CMD/APSPDCL, G. Adhisheshu, MD/Solar Power Corporation and M Kamalakarbabu, MD/NREDCAP, who have participated in the discussion felt that the DISCOMs would procure around 2,000 MW of solar power capacity in a phased manner within the next 4 to 5 years. The DISCOMs for this would enter long term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) of 25 years with developers who are selected based on a competitive procurement process.

Ajay Jain further said that, the solar and wind policy of AP Government will be the best policy in the country which attracts entrepreneurs for investments and reach the desired goals in promoting the solar and wind power. He also informed, that the Government which have initiated all measures to develop world's biggest solar park with a capacity of around 2,500 MW, with support of Government of India, public undertaking sectors like National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), NVVL, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) etc., now contemplating to develop 1,000 MW more solar power parks in the districts of Anantapur, Kadapa and Kurnool.

The Solar Park shall consist of various zones viz. solar power projects, manufacturing zones, R&D and training Centres. The State will extend all facilities and fiscal incentives provided by Central Government/National Solar Mission to the manufacturers in solar parks. Special Purpose Vehicle (s) will be established for development of infrastructure and management of solar park. The SPV will formulate policy and rules in respect of land allotment, sharing of development cost by the solar power producers and manufacturers.

APTRANSCO CMD KVijayanand said that Government of India have cleared environmental clearances for Krishnapatnam and Vijayawada Thermal Power Stations (VTPS), which paves the way for the state for enhancing the generating capacity to meet the future requirements of the state.