: In a major boost to the power sector in the emerging capital city Amaravati, the Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (RECL) has sanctioned Rs. 6,000 crore for augmenting the electricity infrastructure.
This was stated by RECL Chairman Rajeev Sharma at the two-day international workshop on 'Energy efficient lighting-Urban experiences and implementation practices' that began here on Thursday.
The funds will be spent on laying underground cables, constructing new electrical substations and creating other facilities in Amaravati in technical collaboration with the power utilities of A.P –Transco and Discoms.
Solar energy park
Mr. Sharma, who is also the Chairman of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), said it is well on course to giving India’'s largest solar energy park (500 MW) in Anantapur district a tangible shape. A competitive rate of interest – 9.5 per cent – would be charged on the loan extended by EESL for it, he stated.
Earlier, addressing the gathering, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu called for greater amount of research into sustainable technologies in the energy efficiency sector in Andhra Pradesh and said it has tremendous advantage over other states in the availability of sunlight throughout the year and consistent wind speeds.
He also exhorted the stakeholders— both public and private — to come up with plans for green buildings in the capital region and an ideal mix of energy that would make it a world class city both in terms of aesthetics and energy consumption and conservation.
Vizag inspiration
Mr. Chandrababu Naidu said he hit upon the idea of replacing the street-lighting paraphernalia in Visakhapatnam when it was struck by cyclone Hudhud, with energy efficient ones and the success tasted there inspired him to go all out on the energy efficiency drive.
