AP Govt approves reformed policy to promote clean energy in the state

The Andhra Pradesh government of India has given nod to some significant solar and wind energy policies in cabinet today, reports Business Standard.

The single window system, easy permissions and industry like treatment for rendering clearances are some of the striking features among the policies approved by the ministry.

The new policy is aimed to place Andhra Pradesh in the leading position of highest solar energy producing states of India within the next five years, briefed, Palle Raghunatha Reddy, Information Minister of the state.

“These are the best policies in the country. The flexibility and facilities in the policies do not exist in others (States),” he pointed out.

The introduction of single widow method is helpful in allotting permissions for large-scale solar parks and wind power plants.

They will be considered and treated similarly like any other industries as far as the clearances are concerned.

Moreover, the land-related permissions will be given quick sanctioning for establishing new renewable energy ventures and no surcharge will be levied in case they are selling power within the state.

As far as wind power projects are concerned, District Collectors will be given power to allocate land.

Andhra Pradesh currently generates 127 MW of solar energy and the government targets to take it to 5,000 MW in five years.

LINKED  Andhra Pradesh solar releases bidders list for 500 MW project

The current wind power generation is 897 MW and the target is 4,000 MW by 2020.

Steps have already been initiated for producing 2,500 MW of solar energy in Kadapa, Kurnool and Anantapur districts.

Last month, Welspun Renewables signed a deal for Rs 700 crore investments to establish 100.1 MW of solar PV project in Andhra Pradesh, during the World Economic Forum (WEF).

In Oct 2014, First Solar secured the lowest bid in the 500 MW solar tender of Andhra Pradesh, quoting Rs 5.25 a kWhr for 40 MW and Rs 5.35 a kWhr for another 40 MW.

First Solar is the world’s largest Cadmium Telluride based thin-film modules producer.

In Sep 2014, National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Government of Andhra Pradesh (GoAP) to develop 1000 MW solar power projects in Andhra Pradesh.

Under this MoU, NTPC shall develop 1000 MW solar power Project(s) at sites identified by GoAP on Build-Own-Operate (BOO) basis, in a phased manner.

Sabeena Wahid
[email protected]