In a bid to power the agriculture sector in Andhra Pradesh, the power utilities have fixed its focus on taking up works of 10,050 MW mega solar power project to supply free power to all the agricultural feeders in in the state.
The state government is planning to implement the mega solar power project which is estimated to cost around Rs4,800 crore in two phases.
The energy department official recently made a presentation about the mega solar power project and its progress before the Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.
The officials in the presentation suggested that in the first phase works related to 4,550 MW power plants would be taken up, followed by 5,500 MW in the second phase.
The official also said the department had already identified nice locations for the solar project.
The first phase of the mega solar power project is expected to cost around Rs. 1,200 crore and the second phase it is estimated cost around Rs 3,600 crore.
Three 220 kv switching stations will be setup in the first phase and four 400 kv substations will be setup in the second phase for smooth evacuation of power.
The officials said that a detail study for phase 1 has already been carried out and report on the issues , land required and location has been submitted.
For the preparation of the bid document to invite bids from prospective parties the energy department has been working hard. The new company formed by the state government, Andhra Pradesh Green Energy Corporation Ltd (APGECL), will soon float tender inviting bids for the solar power project.
Once this mammoth project goes live it will be a boon to the farming community for getting assured and quality power supply in the daytime.
The official also informed that the energy department is aiming at speeding up installation of agriculture feeders and reach the target of supply free power during daytime to 100 per cent of agriculture feeders by the beginning of the Rabi season.
The officials briefed Balineni Srinivasa Reddy, Minister for Energy, Forest and Environment about the present status of agriculture feeder works in a teleconference and said that utilities were ready to supply power to 81 per cent feeders during this Kharif season.