AP Transco targets to add 500 MW capacity

Hyderabad: In order to reduce the power demand and supply gap to the maximum extent possible, State government has decided to add 500 mw additionally by enhancing the installed capacity through conventional sources, promotion of solar and wind power and effective implementation of Energy Conservation and Energy Efficiency (EC and EE) programme this year.

Delivering a key note-address at a national level workshop on ‘Energy Efficiency in Thermal Power Plants’ here, State Energy Conservation Mission (SECM) CEO A Chandrasekhara Reddy said keeping in view the vast potential of EC, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) advised the SECM to take up conservation measures in a big way to minimise the gap between the demand and supply and to vigorously implement Energy Conservation Act-2001 to improve the energy efficiency.

Observing power sector is the main pillar of economic growth of the State, he said the government utilities are committed to optimise the power generation by expediting the ongoing power projects by adopting latest technologies to enhance energy efficiency in thermal power plants.

As part of promotion of green power, government called bids for establishment of 1000 MW solar power for which there is positive response from developers to supply at Rs 6.49 per unit as decided by Group of Ministers. The AP Transco has given opportunity to non-bidders also to apply before September 30, 2013 for setting up of solar units subject to agreeing the terms and conditions of the tender specification.

So far, Letter of Intents (LOI) have been issued for 240 MW and the consent has been received for additional 175 mw including acceptance of AP Genco for establishing of 35 MW. Altogether the AP Transco received response for 415 mw solar and it is expected to cross 500 MW. He also said that due to substantial inflows into hydel reservoirs, the Genco is expecting to cross the targeted hydel generation of 6,755 MW this year.

Reddy appealed to all stakeholders and consumers to implement the tips on energy conservation all round the year irrespective of seasons for the benefit of the State as well as individuals. About 100 delegates from all over India from reputed organizations like National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Plants at Anta (Rajasthan), Talcher (Odisha), Sipat (Chhattisgarh), Neyveli Power (Tamil Nadu) and Chhattisgarh Power Generation Company Ltd participated.