Andhra Pradesh has Developed Over 1 GW of Solar Projects in Naxal Areas

According to MNRE, Andhra Pradesh has reported the development of over 1 GW of ultra-mega solar power projects in Naxal affected regions of the state.

According to the information provided by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), the state government of Andhra Pradesh has reported the development of over 1 GW of ultra-mega solar power projects in Naxal affected regions of the state.

The total installed capacity in the regions as reported by the state government is 1.16 GW, of which a 1000 MW solar park is under development in left-wing extremist mandals of Nambulapula Kunta, and another 160 MW solar plant in Ramagiri in Ananthapuram District.

The information was relayed to the parliament during the latest question hour. Union Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy RK Singh said that the Andhra government has reported to the MNRE of such developments while responding to a query posed by Chirag Kumar Paswan, the Member of Parliament from Bihar, who had asked the ministry whether the government has any proposal to establish ultra/ mega solar power plants in the Naxal-hit areas especially in the Jamui district of Bihar.

The minister had further said that unlike from Andhra Pradesh, the Ministry has not received any proposal from the state Government of Bihar for setting up any solar park in Jamui district of Bihar.

The minister further clarified that the Government provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) @ Rs 20 Lakh per MW for the development of Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects and Mega Solar Parks across the country including in Naxal hit areas. However, state governments are required to submit project proposals indicating land availability, etc. as per scheme for consideration of the Central Government for approval.

Recently, it was reported that out of the country’s 175 GW target for renewable energy by 2022, India has installed a total of 83.38 GW by the end of October this year. This information was given provided by RK Singh in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha.

From the aggregate capacity of 83.38 GW of renewable energy, India has installed 31.69 GW from solar, 37.09 GW from wind, 9.95 GW from biomass and 4.65 GW from small hydro, the minister added.