APSRTC inaugurates solar plant at HCU bus depot

APSRTC proposes to install solar plants at 105 depots across the State. The Rs. 85.11-crore project is taken up on RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) model wherein the investments is being made by MNRE and APSRTC will pay for the solar power generated in the project.

HYDERABAD:ANDHRA PRADESH:27/12/2012:Streamlining of 3 MW off-grid solar power project inuagreting at HCU depot in Hyderabad on Thursday.------PHOTO:G_RAMAKRISHNA;HYDERABAD:ANDHRA PRADESH:27/12/2012:Streamlining of 3 MW off-grid solar power project inuagreting at HCU depot in Hyderabad on Thursday.------PHOTO:G_RAMAKRISHNA

In an effort to use alternative forms of energy for its daily operations, the APSRTC has decided to tap solar power. The Corporation has proposed to install solar power plants at 105 bus stations, garages and bus depots across the State.

One such power plant was inaugurated at Hyderabad Central University Bus Depot here on Thursday by APSRTC Vice Chairman and Managing Director, A. K. Khan. It is being undertaken in collaboration with Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

The Rs. 85.11-crore project is taken up on RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) model wherein the investments is being made by MNRE and APSRTC will pay for the solar power generated in the project, said Mr. Khan while speaking to media personnel. The proposal was accepted as it was beneficial to the Corporation, he added.

Saving power

As per the initial agreement the APSRTC would be saving 50 percent of the power tariff increase.

The power generated through its plant would serve as a backup in the event of power outages and ensure uninterrupted maintenance activities at bus depots and garages. This apart, passengers will be saved from irregular power cuts, the Managing Director added.

At present the Corporation is fully depended on the Discoms’ for power and once all the solar power plants at 105 bus depots and stations become operational, it will help in meeting about 12 per cent of its demand for 25 Megawatts.

Loss reduction

With regard to the functioning of the APSRTC, Mr. Khan said efforts were being made to reduce the losses.

As against the loss of about Rs. 600 crore the Corporation suffered last year, it was proposed to peg it at Rs. 250 crore this year through proper planning. There was a need for additional 5,000 buses to effectively cater to the growing demand. This apart every year, about 1,000 buses needed to be replaced. Efforts were being made to introduce bus services to the villages that remained cut off till now, Mr. Khan said.

Senior officials of the APSRTC were also present on the occasion.

— Staff Reporter