APTRANSCO Expects to cross 500 MW Solar

APTRANSCO Expects to cross 500 MW Solar

Hyderabad, Sept 18 (INN): In order to meet the future electricity requirements of consumers of all categories and to reduce the demand – supply gap to the maximum extent possible, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has decided to focus on the twin objectives of enhancement of installed capacity through conventional sources and Promotion of Green power i.e., solar, wind etc., while ensuring effective implementation of Energy Conservation & Energy Efficiency (EC&EE) programmes.

While disclosing these details, State Energy Conservation Mission (SECM) CEO A Chandra Sekhara Reddy, in his keynote address at National Level work shop on “Energy Efficiency in Thermal Power Plants” conducted by Siri Exergy & Carbon Advisory Services Ltd. here, said that keeping in view the vast potential of Energy Conservation & Efficiency, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) – Ministry of Power, Government of India, has advised the SECM/Govt. of AP to take up Energy Conservation and Efficiency measures in a big way to minimize the gap between the demand & supply and to vigorously implement Energy Conservation Act-2001 to improve the energy efficiency.

Since Power sector is the main pillar of economic growth of the State, the Govt./utilities are committed to optimize the power generation by expediting the ongoing power projects through adopting latest technologies to enhance energy efficiency in thermal power plants. For instance, APGENCO which is second largest power generating utility in the country, has adopted super critical boiler technology at Krishnapatnam project (2 X 800 MW) (Nellore), which is expected to be commissioned by January 2014. One more prestigious additional unit at Kakatiya thermal power plant, Bhoopalapally (600 MW), Warangal incorporated with latest energy efficient equipment is also likely to be commissioned during the current year 2013-14.

As part of promotion of green power the Govt./Power utilities have called bids for establishment of 1000 MW solar power for which there is positive response from developers to supply at Rs.6.49/unit as decided by Group of Ministers. The APTRANSCO has given opportunity to non-bidders also to apply before 30th September 2013 for setting up of solar units subject to agreeing the terms & Conditions of the tender specification.

So far, Letter of Intents (LOI) have been issued for 240 MW and the consent has been received for additional 175 MW including acceptance of APGENCO for establishing of 35 MW for the same price of Rs.6.49/unit. Altogether, the APTRANSCO received response for 415 MW solar and it is expected to cross 500 MW.

Due to substantial inflows into hydel reservoirs, the APGenco is expecting to cross the targeted hydel generation of 6,755 MU this year. Thanks to the rains, utilities have experienced almost zero demand-supply gap (Demand is 238.1 MU & Supply is 237.4 MU) after a long period of over 3 years. Today, hydel generation is 61 MU as against the 26 MU on the same day last year.

SECM appeals to all stakeholders/consumers to implement the tips on energy conservation throughout 365 days irrespective of seasons for the benefit of the State as well as individuals.

About 100 delegates from all over India from reputed organizations like National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Plants at Anta (Rajasthan), Talcher (Odisha), Sipat (Chhatisgarh), Neyveli Power (Tamil Nadu), Chattisgarh Power Gen. Company ltd, State Designating Agency (SDA)-Orissa have participated in the work shop. G.Subramanyam, Director, Siri Exergy & Carbon Advisory Services Ltd has said that this 3-day National level workshop would focus on Energy Efficiency in Thermal Power Plants, environment friendly measures, case studies for power savings in general and best practices in Energy Conservation & Efficiency, which would be submitted to State Energy Conservation Mission, Govt. of AP.