Andhra Pradesh has announced plans to establish renewable energy zones to boost green power generation. The government will provide Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for plants using advanced technologies, as detailed in the recently issued Integrated Clean Energy Policy (ICEP) guidelines to encourage investment in the state.
K Vijayanand, Special Chief Secretary (Energy), confirmed that Renewable Energy Manufacturing Zones (REMZ) would be developed for solar, wind, battery, and electrolyser manufacturing. Andhra Pradesh State Power Corporation Limited (APSPCL) will lead the initiative, coordinating with other agencies to develop REMZ as dedicated manufacturing hubs, equipped with power, road, and water infrastructure.
REMZ developers will manage essential infrastructure within the zones, such as power evacuation systems and roads, and can recover associated charges, including lease and maintenance fees, from project developers.
To foster innovation, APSPCL will also support NIRE (New and Innovative Renewable Energy) technologies, like offshore, geothermal, and tidal energy. For pilot projects up to 5 MW, the state will offer VGF or a 20% capital subsidy, capped at Rs 50 million per project.
Additionally, Andhra Pradesh plans to launch a Green Energy and Circular Economy University through a public-private partnership. This institution will serve as a knowledge hub, providing specialised training and certification programs, fostering industry collaboration, and focusing on tailored curricula for the clean energy sector’s needs. The university aims to enhance talent across the clean energy value chain and promote technology transfer. (ET)
