AP to fully support centre's carbon credit scheme: CS

Vijayawada: AP chief secretary K.S. Jawahar Reddy on Thursday announced Andhra Pradesh government’s full support to Government of India’s carbon credit trading scheme.

“It is a market-based approach to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) that mitigates adverse effects of climate change,” he stated; addressing the 11th executive committee meeting of AP State Energy Conservation Mission (APSECM) at the secretariat.

The chief secretary directed energy department to work out a time-bound state energy-efficiency action plan by involving all departments of the state, including municipal administration, medical and health, industries, social welfare and agriculture. The plan should enable Andhra Pradesh to achieve the energy efficiency target of 6.68 million tonnes of oil equivalent (MTOE) set for the state by union power ministry’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).

Jawahar Reddy appreciated APSECM for implementing IoT-based energy-efficiency technology in 65 micro, small and medium enterprises, adopting Energy Conservation Building Code in 123 urban local bodies, constituting energy conservation cells in 42 government departments and reducing 1.205 MTOE energy in large industries through the Perform, Achieve, Trade scheme.

“These endeavours have helped Andhra Pradesh get the prestigious National Energy Conservation Award – 2022 from the President of India,” he pointed out.

Speaking on the occasion, special chief secretary (Energy) K. Vijayanand explained progress of energy-efficiency projects in Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, where around 400 brushless direct current fans and 1,000 LED tube lights have been retrofitted, with expected energy savings of 1.64 lakh units per annum.

Similarly, he said, the energy efficiency project in Andhra Pradesh Bhavan in New Delhi is expected to save about 49,000 units per annum, translating into ₹6.25 lakh in monetary terms.

Vijayanand said APSECM has introduced energy-efficient bulbs, fans, tube lights and other appliances in 52 model schools and three major hospitals of the state, with expected energy savings of 0.84 million units and 1.19 MUs respectively.