The Andhra Pradesh State government has announced its intentions to harness solar energy for overcoming the acute power shortages staring it post bifurcation.
The government is contemplating setting up solar grids of photo-voltaic cells in barren lands spanning over 2,500 acres in north coastal Andhra, coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions. According to informed sources, solar grids are proposed to be set up in barren lands in areas which are known to receive maximum sun light making them suitable to harness the non-conventional energy source.
Towards this end, the government is planning to utilise the part of land in its possession while the remaining would be acquired from the land owners under mutually acceptable terms.
Modalities are being worked out to make land owners part of the development process by payment of honorarium for the lands they part with on an annual basis.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reportedly made a presentation on the government’s plans to Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal during their meeting in New Delhi on Thursday.
Mr. Naidu explained to Mr. Goyal that the new State had potential to generate close to 4,000 MW solar power and that his government was keen on harnessing the source that would go a long way in overcoming the power shortages forecast.
Mr. Naidu, it is learnt, wanted the Union Minister to extend the Central government’s assistance to the State in this regard and Mr. Goyal responded positively to Mr. Naidu’s request.
The Chief Minister also explained Mr. Goyal about the prospects of wind energy in areas like Anantapur which could be of immense help to the State in tackling the shortages.
