Telangana is taking significant steps to address its increasing electricity needs while committing to sustainable energy. The state is set to unveil its new Clean & Green Energy Policy shortly.
During a stakeholders’ convention held recently to discuss the upcoming Telangana Clean & Green Energy Policy – 2024 (TGREEN), Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Batti Vikramarka, who oversees the energy portfolio, emphasized that Telangana has become a center for technology, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and agriculture. This growth has highlighted the importance of establishing a robust and sustainable energy framework.
The proposed TGREEN Policy 2024 aims to achieve several key objectives: ensuring reliable and affordable green power, promoting the self-sufficiency and sustainability of Telangana’s power utilities, fostering the development of renewable energy projects, and stimulating private investments to enhance job creation.
As for incentives, the policy plans to offer various benefits, including tax reimbursement and exemptions, capital subsidies, a streamlined approval process through a single-window clearance mechanism, support for energy storage initiatives, green hydrogen development, incentives for distributed generation, and encouragement for local industry growth.
Moreover, the policy emphasizes the need to modernize grid infrastructure to seamlessly integrate increased renewable energy capacity in response to growing demand. Telangana is committed to enhancing its energy network by expanding transmission and distribution capacities to support new projects.
The Minister highlighted the importance of stakeholder consultation in shaping the renewable energy policy. He mentioned that the draft policy will be a dynamic document, evolving to meet the ever-changing energy needs of the state.
The consultations aim to refine a shared vision for a sustainable energy future in Telangana, with a focus on providing reliable and affordable access to clean energy. The development initiatives undertaken by the state are expected to drive a significant increase in peak electricity demand, projected to grow from 15,623 MW in FY 24 to 24,215 MW by FY 30 and to 31,809 MW by FY 35.
“It is crucial that we meet this rising demand with clean, reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions,” the Minister stated.
Telangana is rich in renewable energy potential, benefiting from over 300 sunny days each year that facilitate substantial solar power generation. It is also recognized as one of India’s top eight states in wind power capacity, with a potential of 54,717 MW.
Additionally, the state has existing pumped storage projects at Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar, with further opportunities for developing such plants. These can significantly enhance energy storage capabilities, integrate renewable energy sources, and provide grid stability.
The Minister also pointed out the vast opportunities for accelerating electric vehicle adoption within the state. The policy envisions partnerships with other states to share energy resources.
Currently, Telangana’s renewable energy capacity stands at 11,399 MW. The state has ambitious plans to add an additional 20,000 MW of renewable energy and storage capacity by 2030, actively promoting the development of standalone solar and wind installations along with innovative solutions like floating solar and round-the-clock renewable energy technologies.
