Fapcci rues tardy approvals for solar projects

Hyderabad: Disappointed by inordinate delay in granting approvals for solar power projects despite the State reeling under unprecedented power cuts, Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and India (Fapcci) urged the state government to expedite clearances for solar power projects, besides coming out with guidelines on the renewable power policy. Industry body pointed out several people encouraged by the state government's solar power policy announced in September 2012, came forward to set up solar power projects with total generation capacity of 750 MW. "The policy did not envisage any investment subsidy from the government or APTransco. Yet to the utter discomfiture of the industry and solar power developers, the clearances and much needed clarifications and rules, as required by the policy, have not been forthcoming even after six months," M V Rajeshwara Rao, Secretary General, Fapcci, said in a statement. AP Inc hailed the policy announcement as it was suffering power cuts to the tune of 40 per cent to 60 per cent and hoped that the initiative would bring in much needed power to the State. A "The government, while announcing the policy, also saw an opportunity to add 1000 to 2000 MW power generation within six months," he recalled.