Tuesday, August 19, 2014: The Andhra Pradesh government is preparing a policy to provide an escalation clause to make investments attractive to the states solar projects. A keen interest has been showed by NTPC, NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd and Solar Energy Corporation of India to develop and facilitate large solar power parks in this state.
An immediate decision has been taken on the government’s part and developers met the state officials at a symposium on Saturday, 16 August, to hold discussions on the solar energy projects. Andhra Pradesh government’s Energy secretary Ajay Jain said the State is looking forward to transform AP into a solar power generation hub, with the support of the Central Government. A new policy will be announced soon to provide necessary support.
The policy, prepared to encourage renewable energy, is expected to facilitate installation of about 5000 MW of solar power generation and 4000 MW of wind generation capacity by 2019. An agreement will be soon signed between NTPC and the State for 1000 MW park. NVVNL wants to facilitate a 1000 MW project and SECI will support these initiatives. Another 500 MW project will also be set up with this support and bids have been invited for the same. The State is quite serious about securing Rs 5000 million from the Centre to promote solar energy development.
Lands have also been identified in Anantapur, Kadapa, Kurnool and Chitoor for the solar and wind energy projects. Jain said a single-window clearance will be given for the projects which also includes an escalation clause of 3 per cent every year, to be continued for 10 years. Chairman and Managing Director of APGenco, K Vijayanand, said that developers have been asked to detail about their proposals for 500 MW project, while another 500 MW will also be offered for development soon. By next year Government hopes to commission 800 MW solar power, 1200 MW in the next year and 1500 MW each in the third and fourth years.
