The Hindu Business Line : AP Govt mulls wind power policy

Hyderabad April 10 The State Energy Minister, Mr Mohd Ali Shabbir, today said the Government is contemplating a wind power policy to encourage private sector participation.

Speaking at the inauguration of the AP State Council of Indian Wind Power Association here on Tuesday, Mr Shabbir said he would take up the cause of the wind power producers with the Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy.

He assured the wind power players that their plea to hike the per unit cost of wind power from Rs 2.70 to Rs 3.30 would be discussed with officials.

The Energy Minister said the State was committed to improving the quality and supply of power.

COMMITMENT TO FARMERS

To honour the commitment to provide seven-hour power to the farm sector, the Government is purchasing power from neighbouring States at exorbitant rates.

As against requirement of 7,943 MW per day, the State was able to generate only 6,760 MW. The huge shortfall was being overcome by buying power from other States, he added.

Gas supplies

He attributed delay in assured allocation of gas supplies to the gas-based power generation units as one reason for crisis in the power sector. Four gas-based unit are awaiting assured allocation to commence operations. Three thermal-based power stations would be commissioned by 2009 with an installed capacity of 1,500 MW.

The Government is committed to encourage non-conventional energy, in which wind power units have emerged as vital alternative.

The President of the State Council of India Power Association, Mr T.G. Venkatesh, urged the Government to announce incentives such as capital subsidy and sales tax exemption besides coming up with single-window system for granting necessary clearances to set up windmills in the State.

By encouraging installation of wind energy units in backward Rayalaseema region, the power problem could be solved.

The Wind Power Association said the State has potential to generate about 8,275 MW wind power while the installed capacity so far was only 121 MW. Wind power energy could help tide over the power crisis in the State.

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