Vijayawada, Mahabubnagar in AP to be developed as Solar cities

New and Renewable Energy minister Farooq Abdullah today said that Vijayawada and Mahabubnagar in Andhra Pradesh will be developed as Solar cities.
"Two cities namely Vijayawada and Mahabubnagar have been identified in Andhra Pradesh for developing them as solar cities," Abdullah informed the Rajya Sabha.
He said that a solar city aims to reduce a minimum of ten per cent of its projected demand of conventional energy through generation from renewable energy installations and energy efficiency measures.
"The master plan for Vijayawada has been prepared with an estimated cost of Rs 256.50 crore for various projects," the minister said adding that the time required depends on the interest and efforts taken by the city and availability of funds.

The various projects are on solar grid connected and off grid applications, waste to energy, bio-methanization, solar water heating systems, reduction in connected load in municipal areas, awareness and capacity building and others, he added.
Abdullah said that for Vijayawada solar city, an amount of Rs 12.20 lakh has been released so far for preparation of the master plan, setting up of a solar city cell and promotional activities.
"Mahabubnagar municipality is yet to take action for preparation of the master plan," Abdullah added.