Decentralisation of solar power generation emerged as a significant suggestion from the speakers at a seminar on ‘Energy Security in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh—Realities and Way Forward’, jointly organised by Banjara Development Society, CARPED, and Human Rights Forum on Wednesday.
Activist and retired IAS officer E. A. S. Sarma noted that solar energy is being centralised, with establishment of plants of more than 500 MW capacities in the offing.
Instead, promoting rooftop panels would reduce Transmission and Distribution losses, besides cutting costs.
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K. Raghu, representing the People’s Monitoring Group on Electricity Regulation (PMGER), said solar energy is ideal for agricultural consumption, as the hours of usage are less.
Further, it rules out fuel problem, pollution, and T&D losses if decentralised. Mr. Sarma debunked the Central government’s claim about enormous coal reserves in the country, and cited the Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL) data, to say that the extractable coal will not last for more than 15 years. He accused government of lacking intellectual honesty.
“Destructive politics”ADVERTISEMENT
M. Venugopal Rao from the Centre for Power Studies spoke against the “destructive politics” and faulted the Central government of delaying a solution to the power issues between both States. He suggested cancellation of PPAs and allocation of additional quota to Telangana from central pool. Vice-president of Akhila Bharata Kisan Sabha S.Malla Reddy called attention to the plight of farmers, and said 341 farmers have committed suicide in Telangana till date.
“Farmers do not need free power. Just give them power supply,” he urged, and suggested infrastructural strengthening and appointment of linemen. He accused both governments of resorting to diversionary tactics as they cannot fulfil their electoral promises.
K. Raghu, who is also coordinator of TEEJAC, said the Telangana’s share of 54.89 per cent from all PPAs is in terms of generating capacities, and not merely the actual power produced.