Tuesday, August 26, 2014: Andhra Pradesh government is keeping a keen eye on the carbon credit market and now they have decided to go for ‘green power’ on a massive level. The state is planning to produce 9000 MW solar and wind power in next five years. The state is aiming to earn clean development mechanism (CDM) benefits from carbon credit exchanges. If this target is fulfilled then a ‘Green Corridor’ will be established which will include ‘clean energy’ power projects.
Ajay Jain, principal secretary, energy, Andhra Pradesh, said, “We have planned to produce 5000 MW solar power and 4000 MW wind power in joint ventures with major companies in this sector in the coming five years.” Major PSUs are also planning to set up large-scale solar power projects. NTPC Ltd and NVVN Ltd have planned to build solar power projects with a capacity of 1000 MW. An agreement had been signed by the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited to set up 1000 MW solar power project in Mahbubnagar district during the Kiran Kumar Reddy phase. Now AP government is planning to deploy the company to set up the project in Chittoor or Anantapur.
AP government is looking forward to two benefits through green power. First, the government will be able to enter CDM market to explore carbon credit benefits. Second, they will tap renewable energy sources in the state with central financial assistance. The state government was chosen to supply 24×7 power along with Delhi and Rajasthan. It’s expected that more than Rs 50,000 million investment will be made by the Central government for renewable energy generation projects. The AP government has asked for Rs 157,180 million central funding for ‘Power-for-All’ programme for the next fiscal year. The Centre will incur a total expenditure of Rs 543,320 million for the 24×7 power supply project, to be implemented in three states within next five years.
