The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy today approved a bidding process for 1,000 MW of solar power capacity, signing up of power purchase agreements with wind power units after regulatory nod, and increase in tariff for bio-mass units.
In a major boost of renewable energy, the Chief Minister directed officials to facilitate the early execution of renewable energy projects by signing up power purchase agreements.
In the first phase, bids for 1000 MW of solar power project will be invited. The focus will be on the early completion of solar, wind and bio-mass power projects, by sorting out their concerns with regard to implementation.
Following a detailed review of the renewable energy sector, the Chief Minister cleared the solar and wind power policy guidelines. These decisions were taken at a meeting attended by several Ministers, Chief Secretary, Minnie Mathew and officials from the power sector and renewable energy sector.
It was decided to hike the unit cost of bio-mass power from Rs 4 to Rs 5.50 a unit for one year. This will add 100 to 150 MW power to the grid.
The Chief Minister said since the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission will come out with the tariffs for wind power by Monday, they can go ahead and sign PPAs immediately.
So far, 1,149 MW capacity of renewable energy power projects have been commissioned in the State. Meanwhile, constraints for execution of wind power projects are being sorted out by a task force.
A Committee, with Group of Ministers to formulate a policy on mini hydel schemes on canals and major rivers in the State, has been constituted.
The Government has decided to cancel registrations of developers who have not furnished detailed project reports for mini hydel projects. Fresh bidding process will be initiated.