Exercise on setting up plants on reservoirs - Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka
Hyderabad, Trinet News, September 10: Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka informed the Legislative Assembly that the government is taking measures to promote solar, floating solar, and other non-conventional energy sources on a large scale to address the state's growing power demand. He stated that the energy and irrigation departments are jointly studying the establishment of floating solar projects and a clear announcement will be made soon.
Replying to questions raised by members during the Question Hour on Thursday regarding floating solar projects, the Deputy Chief Minister explained with examples. He said that the government is examining the feasibility of setting up floating solar plants in the reservoirs of major and medium irrigation projects across the state. He revealed that reservoirs including Nagarjuna Sagar, Srisailam, Pulichintala, Sriram Sagar, Sripada Yellampally, Devadula, Komaram Bheem, Paleru, Wyra, Mallanna Sagar, LMD, Mid Manair, and Pochampad are being examined.
High Cost is the Main Challenge:
The Deputy CM noted that setting up floating solar power plants incurs higher costs compared to conventional solar projects. Although the central government announced a scheme providing financial assistance of up to Rs 1 crore per megawatt under Viability Gap Funding (VGF), he said there are certain challenges associated with it. He explained that due to central regulations mandating the use of domestically manufactured equipment, an additional financial burden of up to Rs 1.30 crore per megawatt is being incurred. He expressed the view that relaxing the central norms would generate greater interest among investors in floating solar projects. Nevertheless, he told the Assembly that the state government is trying to encourage investors and take this sector forward.
Power Demand at 18,543 Megawatts:
The Deputy Chief Minister told the Assembly that electricity consumption in the state is increasing sharply. When the government assumed office in December 2023, the peak power demand was around 15,000 megawatts, which rose to 19,000 megawatts by September 9, he said. He explained that the surge in power demand is driven by industrial growth and the rising purchasing power of the people. While the growing demand is a positive sign of the state's development, he stressed the need to upgrade power generation and distribution systems accordingly.
Rs 19,000 Crore Subsidy Annually:
The Deputy CM stated that the government is bearing an annual subsidy of about Rs 14,000 crore for free electricity to agricultural pump sets. He added that the free electricity scheme up to 200 units is benefiting around 5.5 million families, costing an additional Rs 5,000 crore. In total, the government is spending nearly Rs 19,000 crore annually on power subsidies, he told the House. He emphasized the need to formulate policies to provide free power to the public while gradually reducing this burden in the future, noting that alternative sources like solar energy and pumped storage are being prioritized.
Solarization of 80 Villages:
Bhatti Vikramarka revealed that the government is taking steps to undertake a pilot project in the tribal region of Amrabad. He stated that the plan is to fully solarize around 80 villages and establish micro-grids there. The government is planning to implement a system where solar panels are installed on rooftops and electricity is consumed via micro-grids, he said.
Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam:
He stated that the government is exploring the possibility of utilizing approximately 6.7 million acres of land distributed to landless poor families in tribal areas under the Forest Rights Act in the past to promote solar energy. The government has decided to implement a scheme named 'Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam', he said. Solarization and floating solar will be promoted wherever feasible, he added. Studies are also underway in various irrigation projects in the state, particularly in areas like Kataram and Mahamuttaram in the Manthani constituency, and floating solar projects will be made available to the maximum extent possible, he clarified.
Farmers Should Come Forward to Set Up Solar Plants:
Bhatti Vikramarka urged farmers and the public to increase their awareness of solar power generation. He suggested that MLAs should create awareness among farmers, as the government is encouraging the setting up of solar power plants in their respective villages. The Deputy Chief Minister appealed to the MLAs to encourage people to submit applications in large numbers.
