Andhra Pradesh government has entered into a MoU with various firms for generating 4,000 MW of wind power and 200 MW of hybrid power.
The agreement was signed during the RE-INVEST expo that started on 15th February in New Delhi.
The state government also launched new wind and solar policies, with an aim to achieve surplus power production in next four to five years.
Andhra Pradesh government is aiming Rs 8.5 billion investment in solar power, focused on power transmission and distribution.
The government will support solar power producers with necessary infrastructure as authorities are keen to promote green energy growth across the region.
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 introduction of single widow method is helpful in allotting permissions for large-scale solar parks and wind power plants.
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.
According to the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), the estimated wind power potential in Andhra Pradesh is around 14,497 MW, with the maximum being from the districts of Anantapur, Kadapa, Kurnool, Chittoor and Nellore.
In another development, union power minister Piyush Goyal has assured to establish a power training university to train students in managing power utilities and green energy in Andhra Pradesh.
RE-Invest 2015, the first renewable energy global investors’ meet was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aiming to ensure universal energy access for India’s poor.
The fruits of economic development would not reach the common man until energy connectivity reached every household in the country. In the present age of globalization, there was no option for India but to make a quantum leap in energy production and connectivity, pointed out Modi during the inaugural address.
Sabeena Wahid
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