Andhra Pradesh’s energy minister, Mr. Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy has announced the state’s decision to procure 7000 MW of solar energy from Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) at a rate of ₹2.5/unit.
The solar power supply would begin in September 2024 in stages. The first 3000 MW would be procured in 2024, another 3000 MW from September 2025 (second tranche), and finally 1000 MW from September 2026(third tranche).
The state will supply the energy to the farmers for free to boost the agriculture sector. Currently, 6652 out of 6770 electricity feeders are capable of supplying free 9-hour daytime power to farmers in the state. As per officials, the remaining 118 feeders require infrastructure augmentation to fulfill the power needs.
“The nine-hour free, quality power will help boost agriculture productivity, enhance rural economy, and boost development. The Andhra Pradesh government wants to make the free power scheme permanent to support farmers in the future.” said the energy minister.
Apart from the scheme, Andhra Pradesh is also implementing other initiatives like power supply to aquaculture at a subsidized price and financial support for farmers in the form of Direct Benefit Transfer.
Andhra Pradesh is striving to facilitate the transition to renewable energy. In May 2022, the state government also announced the construction of the world’s largest Integrated Renewable Energy Storage Project (IRESP) of 5000 MW in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. It is set to be commissioned in 2023.
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Resource: ET EnergyWorld
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