Action plan to achieve 10,000 MW of wind power in Andhra Pradesh

 The Wind Power investors should be provided with good incentives and better tariffs. The Chief Minister reviewed the Renewable Energy—Programmes and Projects under the New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation of A.P.Ltd (NEDCAP).

The Chief Minister stated that potential for development exists in the State in wind energy and solar power that requires to be exploited and for both the sectors, the targeted region will be Rayalaseema. He has also said that the actual cost of conventional power will be increasing rapidly because of the higher cost in fuel and deficit of local fuel resources like coal, gas. Renewable power like, solar, wind, mini-hydel have little impact on variable cost and has a more deterministic power cost. The Chief Minister has also said that Rs.5,000/- crores is provided by 13th Finance Commission for the year 2013-14 and will accrue to the best performing States as assessed by Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India.

The Chief Minister has asked the officials to announce incentives for 100% Solar Energy utilization Panachayats and Municipalities for street lighting and other purposes and also stated that Solar Power Supply may be provided to 800 to 1000 S.T. habitations in the State. The Officials informed that there are 1.48 crore domestic power consumers in the State and under the “Vidyuth Bachat Yojana”, CFL bulbs will be provided on concessional rates to save energy. The Chief Minister said that the lands identified for establishment of wind power stations may be verified and cleared by the Unified Authority.

It may be recalled that the Chief Minister has already ordered a number of initiatives for energy conservation measures like-compulsory installation of solar heaters, all the Government Departments shall have three star and above-rated equipments given by BEE., compulsory audit of Government buildings, framing of proper rules for all private buildings for energy savings and all these decisions are under operationalisation. The Chief Minister asked the officials to sort out the issues of mini-hydel projects. Mr. Sutheerth Bhattacharya, Principal Secretary, Energy, Mr. K.S.Jawahar Reddy, Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr.Chandan Mitra, VC&MD, NEDCAP and other senior officials also participated in the meeting.

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