The Chief Minister of Telangana, K. Chandrashekar Rao, has proposed that 1 GW of solar photovoltaic (PV) projects be developed in the state to make affordable solar PV power accessible for irrigation programs.

Rao was holding a review meeting for the state’s power sector. At the meeting, Rao instructed the irrigation and electricity officials to make an assessment regularly of how much power is needed from time to time for the ‘Lift Irrigation’ programs and how to procure it. The chief minister asked them to make estimates based on their assessment and go ahead with the action plan.

Rao suggested that solar power, which is available at an economical rate, should be procured to meet the heavy demand due to the Lift Irrigation programs. He has also asked the officials to invite tenders for 1,000 MW of solar power. The chief minister has instructed the finance department to prepare contingency plans to extend financial help to the electricity organizations as and when they require financial help.

He said that all the required measures would be taken to prevent the state electricity agencies from getting into any financial crisis, as these organizations have proved their mettle in generation, distribution, and supply of power and have stood as role models to others in the country.

Since the state’s development is depended on the working of the electricity organizations, he said the government would protect them. He said his government’s motto is “no power break down even for a wink of an eye, and no financial trouble for the electricity organizations.” He announced that a stringent method would be put in place so that the government institutions, departments, and local bodies pay their power bill dues on time. He said a Power Week would be observed shortly in all the villages and towns in the state to settle all power-related problems and issues.

This a far cry from the situation in neighboring Andhra Pradesh where the new government is adamant on stalling the pace of growth of renewable energy generating sources in the state, especially solar and wind projects.

According to Mercom’s India Solar Project Tracker, Telangana has installed solar PV capacity of ~3.5 GW, and over 236 MW of solar PV projects are under development in the state.

Image Credit: Mahindra Susten