Renewable energy targets fixed

Hyderabad: In a step to bridge the gap between growing demand for power and its supply, the State government has prepared plans to fix department and district wise targets for promotion of renewable energy and enhancement of energy efficiency and conservation (EC and EE) activities through public private partnership (PPP) in the coming days.

Chief Secretary PK Mohanty held high-level meetings with Energy department officials and discussed the integral approach to explore the possibilities of PPP models for better EE and EC projects, involving stakeholders of all the key sectors like Industry, Agriculture etc.

Instructing that the district-wise projects under New and Renewable Energy Corporation of AP (NREDCAP) were made available online with the help of Centre for Good Governance (CGG), the Chief Secretary said it was need of the hour to exploit solar and wind energy sources so that the monthly electricity bills would be reduced for the consumers.

He asked the officials of NREDCAP to take all steps towards achieving saturation in providing roof top solar panels in all households with more than 5,000 square feet in Hyderabad and other major cities in the first phase. All social welfare hostels and hospitals would be covered under second phase ensuring all roof tops are fitted with solar panels.

Stating that the government set target to generate 5,000 MW additional wind energy and 500 MW solar power in the next five years, the official said the government would also take up wide range awareness campaign on the usage of BEE star rated (3 to 5 stars) electrical appliances, which ensure 20 per cent to 40 per cent energy savings and also considerable reduction in power bills of the consumers.

Mohanty expressed happiness over entering into an agreement with SECM by the University of Hyderabad to adopt the EC and EE measures and renewable energy sources. State Special Chief Secretary (Energy) M Sahoo said that per capita consumption of the State was presently 1,019 units, which is well above the national per capita consumption of 917 units and is an indicator of the overall economic development of the State.

APTransco CMD Suresh Chanda said that for the factors like increase in demand throughout the country, increase in cost to serve every year and protection of environment and natural resources for future generations, the EE and EC will play a pivotal role for sustainability of power sector.