State to have 1000 MW of Wind Power by 2013-14

Hyderabad, Nov 8 : Considering the state of Andhra Pradesh as one of the Potential states for Renewable Energy sources, the Centre has assured State Government of full support to encourage the clean and green power and in achieving the desired targets in generation of energy through renewable energy sources like Wind and Solar.

While reviewing the progress of Renewable Energy in the state with Sahoo Spl Chief Secretary (Energy) and other senior officials, Ratan P Watal, Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources & Energy (MNRE), Govt of India suggested to take up special programmes and educate the consumers and other stake holders to support the noble cause of promotion of renewable energy sources, which are environmental friendly and need of the hour. While referring to the request of the Govt of AP, seeking ¡¥matching grant in aid¡¦ for the Comprehensive proposal for evacuation of 3150 MW wind power in the areas of Kurnool, Kadapa, Anantapur and Ranga Reddy districts, etc.,

Watal promised that all possible necessary help would be extended to arrange the fund after consultations with the Planning department of GoI. In a high level meeting, held at AP Secretariat Ratan P Watal, Secretary and Tarun Kapur Joint Secretary of MNRE, GoI reviewed the Renewable Energy activities being implemented in the State. M Sahoo, who attended the meeting along with Suresh Chanda, CMD/APTRANSCO, K Vijayanand MD/APGENCO, Muneendra Special Secretary, Energy, S.A.M. Rizwi, CMD/APCPDCL, M. Kamalakar Babu, VC&MD/NREDCAP and other top officials of power utilities, disclosed that about 1000 MW of Wind Power is expected to be available by 2013-14 and Govt. is planning to add around 6900 MW of Non-conventional Energy (NCE) Projects during 12th plan. Of this 6900 MW of NCE power, 5000 MW is expected to be from Wind alone and about 1200 MW from Solar.

While reiterating that Govt. of AP is committed to encourage renewable energy, Sahoo informed that after the announcement of the Roof Top Solar Power policy, a lot of consumers have been showing interest and availability of relevant metering systems are required to tap more solar power under this policy. Responding to this, Tarun Kapoor assured that the Metering with latest technology meeting all the requirements of the policy would be made available to AP soon.

According to a study, the estimated gross potentiality of wind power generation in the state is 14,497 MW. The installed capacity of wind power projects at present is 564.09 MW and feasibility clearance on the existing network has been issued for evacuation of power for 1098 MW. Feasibility for evacuation on the proposed network is given for about 1970 MW. Apart from Wind, AP is also blessed with more than 300 sunny days with an estimated solar potential of 5-7KWH/Sq. Mtr. per day. State has already come out with Solar Power Policy to tap the solar power to the maximum extent possible. At present the installed capacity of solar power projects is 61.24 MW. In the recently concluded bidding for 1000 MW of Solar Power, DISCOMs have entered into Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Solar Power Developers for 147 MW and issued Letters of Intent (LoIs) for another 142 MW. Secretary, MNRE appreciated the efforts of GoAP in getting a good competitive rate of Rs 6.49 per unit in the 1000 MW Solar Power bidding.

Apart from this, as per the Solar Power policy for the Industry, wherein Industries can generate solar power either for captive use or for 3rd party sale, certain clarifications are awaited from APERC to realize about 1483 MW of solar power separately. INN