AP seeks Centre’s Support For Solar Scheme, Defence Mfg Hub

New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday met three Union ministers here and sought the Centre’s support for the State’s renewable energy (RE) initiatives, a defence manufacturing hub proposal and a major water transfer project. In his meeting with Union New and Renewable Energy Minister Prahlad Joshi, Naidu requested for the allocation of rooftop solar capacity under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and urged expediting approval of the proposals submitted by state electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs) in January.

“Had a fruitful meeting. With the Centre’s support, we will reduce energy costs, empower our people, and lead India’s clean energy transition,” Naidu, a key ally of the NDA, said in a post on X after meeting Joshi.

The Chief Minister has set a target of installing 20 lakh rooftop solar units by 2025. Under the scheme, SC/ST households will receive free rooftop solar systems, while backward caste households will get Rs10,000 per kWp subsidy for up to 2kWp installations. The State’s Clean Energy Policy 2024-29 targets an additional 72.6 GW of renewable energy, including 40 GW of solar power.