In a trend-setting move to reduce carbon footprint, Visakhapatnam Port Trust has decided to foray into generation of solar power. The port has decided in-principle to produce 15 MW by appointing Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) as a consultant. During a video-conference held by the senior officials of Ministry of Shipping, VPT committed to invest in generation of solar power as part of its green commitment. “We have decided to produce solar power and the modalities will be finalised shortly,” Visakhapatnam Port Chairman M.T. Krishna Babu said. SECI, a Government of India enterprise, has already signed an MoU with the State government for a joint venture in developing solar parks in Anantapur, Kadapa and Kurnool. The targeted production of 2,500 MW will be achieved in phases.
Sources told The Hindu that the port might explore either becoming an equity partner in the solar park coming up at Anantapur and start using the power generated from there by connecting it to State Grid and use it by paying transmission (wheeling) charges to AP Transco or set up its own plant in Visakhapatnam.