First floating solar power plant in AP installed on reservoir adjoining Mudassarlova Park in Vizag
Floating solar panels
KADAPA: Nedcap, the Non-conventional Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh, is identifying vacant lands in Kadapa district to set up solar power generation units. It also wants to install floating solar panels on large reservoirs and has zeroed in on Brahmamsagar reservoir in the district for the purpose.
The first floating solar power plant in Andhra Pradesh had been installed on the reservoir adjoining the Mudassarlova Park in Visakhapatnam. The plant in Brahmamsagar reservoir, spread over 1,206 acres, will be along the same lines.
There are 12 locations across the country where floating solar panels have been established.
The work of Nedcap is on the lines of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s vision to promote solar energy. Solar power units are coming up in Kadapa, Kurnool, Anantapur and Prakasam districts.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Deputy Chief Minister Amzath Basha said, “The government is encouraging private organisations to generate solar power. In the past, the government sold the lands to interested organisations to set up the solar power plants at a nominal price. Now, the regulations were changed and the lands will be issued only on lease.”
He said that solar power producers have to pay a lease of `25,000 per annum to whoever owns the lands. Since the cost of power through thermal plants is increasing, the government is intended to promote solar and wind power generation, Basha said.
“Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy is very keen on this and promoting solar power particularly in Kadapa, Kurnool, Anantapur, and Prakasam districts. He is looking forward to generate 10,000 MW of solar power in the state. Nedcap is looking after the matter regarding the solar power generation,” Basha said.
Nedcap has prepared a detailed project report to generate 252 MW of solar power from the plant over rrahmamsagar Reservoir and has sent it for approval. This will enable Brahmamsagar to grow as a tourism place as well. Kadapa is a district where sunlight is available for most of the day and, hence, is conducive for setting up solar plants.
Apart from Brahmamsagar, Nedcap has identified about 35,977 acres of land for setting up of solar power plants, 20,000 acres in Kalasapadu mandal, 4,860 acres in Chakrayapeta, 4,500 acres in Mylavaram, 3,750 acres in Kasinayana, and 2,867 acres in Brahmamgarimatham mandal.
Kadapa district is already generating 1,500 MW of solar power through its plants in Mylavaram and Galiveedu mandals. Of the electricity generated here, 1,000 MW is already connected to the grid. It is expected that another 3,000 MW too will be connected.
Public sector Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation Mangampeta Barites area, Yogi Vemana University, and Idupulaya IIIT are operating solar power plants to meet their own needs.
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