AP govt gives 'powerful' policy push to solar, wind energy

Single window system, easy permissions and treatment like industries for according clearances are some of the salient features of the solar and wind energy policies approved by the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet today.
The new policy aims to make the state no. 1 in solar energy in five years, Information Minister Palle Raghunatha Reddy said.
"These are the best policies in the country. The flexibility and facilities in the policies do not exist in others (States)," he said, briefing media after a meeting of the Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
Single widow method has been introduced for giving permissions for solar parks and wind power facilities, and they would be treated on par with industries as far as clearances are concerned, he said.

Land-related permissions would be given quickly for setting up ventures and no surcharge would be levied if they sell power within the state. District Collectors have been given powers to allocate land in case of wind power projects.
Noting that Andhra Pradesh at present generates 127 MW of solar energy, Reddy said the government's target is to take this figure to 5,000 MW in five years. The current wind power generation is 897 MW and the target is 4,000 MW by 2020.
Steps have already been initiated for producing 2,500 MW solar energy in Kadapa, Kurnool and Anantapur districts, the Minister said.

Giving statistics about top solar and wind energy producers in the world and India, Reddy said the Government aims to make Andhra Pradesh as No. 1 State in solar energy in five years.