AP to generate 10,000 MW of wind power

Andhra Pradesh plans to generate 10,000 MW of wind power in the next five years.

Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on Tuesday directed the New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation of AP to prepare a comprehensive action plan to achieve the objective, given the vast potential for wind and solar power generation in the state.

"Rayalaseema region has rich potential in this regard. We have to exploit it," the Chief Minister said.

He asked officials to identify suitable lands for wind power generation and get them cleared through the unified authority.

The state would offer "good incentives" to investors for generating wind power and also ensure better tariffs, the Chief Minister told a high-level review meeting on non- conventional energy on Tuesday.

The 13th Finance Commission has earmarked Rs 5,000 crore and would be accrued to best performing states (in terms of non-conventional energy) by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

Reddy also asked the officials concerned to announce incentives to gram panchayats and urban local bodies that utilise 100 per cent solar energy for street lighting and other purposes.

He said there was scope for extending solar power supply to about 1,000 Scheduled Tribes habitations in the state.

Principal Secretary (Energy) Suteertha Bhattacharya, New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation of AP Managing Director Chandan Mitra and other senior officials attended the meeting.