Andhra Pradesh Preparing Integrated Renewable Energy Policy to Enhance Sustainable Development

Andhra Pradesh is set to unveil an integrated renewable energy (RE) policy aimed at advancing sustainable development in the state. The new policy will draw on global best practices and insights from India’s leading renewable energy states to meet the ambitious goals of the 'Viksit Andhra 2047' initiative.

The decision to develop this policy was announced during a high-level meeting led by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu reently.

The state has emerged as a frontrunner in renewable energy adoption, with its installed RE capacity soaring from 1.3 GW on June 2, 2014, to 10.8 GW by July 31, 2024, according to an official statement. Andhra Pradesh benefits from substantial renewable resources, including a solar power potential of approximately 38.50 GW, wind power potential of 74.9 GW at 100 meters and 123.34 GW at 150 meters, and 300 sunny days annually with solar insolation exceeding 5 kWh/m²/day. Additionally, the state has a 974 km coastline, the second largest in India.

The proposed policy will cover various aspects of renewable energy, including solar, wind, and hybrid technologies, as well as RE manufacturing, energy storage solutions like BESS and PSP, green hydrogen and its derivatives, biofuels, and EV charging infrastructure. The policy aims to enhance the state's RE mix, promote clean energy solutions, reduce emissions, and support national net-zero targets. It will focus on optimizing power procurement costs by increasing renewable energy use, developing power evacuation and distribution infrastructure, and attracting investment for manufacturing facilities and clean energy projects.

Furthermore, the policy seeks to create investment opportunities, support a circular economy around clean energy, and generate both direct and indirect employment. It will be periodically reviewed to incorporate new guidelines from the Government of India and the Government of Andhra Pradesh.

The New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation of AP Ltd (NREDCAP) will serve as the nodal agency for implementing the policy. In addition, Naidu directed the energy department to establish at least 500 EV charging stations across various locations in the state to support the promotion of electric vehicles.

HBL