T-SEA pushes for open access tenders to meet solar targets
Telangana boasts of vast stretches of govt land that has been underutilized. Clean energy can be generated by converting these lands into solar parks, says T-SEA chief B Ashok Kumar
The government should mull on inviting open access tenders. Till date no proactive measure has been taken up to implement Green Open Access Regulations, hindering the expansion of solar power- B Ashok Kumar, president, Telangana Solar Energy Association
Hyderabad: Besides attracting private investment, 1,000 MW open access tender will accelerate the process of meeting solar energy targets. Open access tenders will let large energy consumers like industries and commercial establishments to purchase solar power directly from producers, relieving pressure on the State grid and creating a competitive market. “The government should mull on inviting open access tenders. Till date no proactive measure has been taken up to implement Green Open Access Regulations, hindering the expansion of solar power,” Telangana Solar Energy Association president B Ashok Kumar told Bizz Buzz.
T-SEA works in coordination with the Discoms, TSREDCO, and other government departments for the promotion of renewable energy. The Association had written a representation to Telangana Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Mallu Batti Vikramarka proposing solutions to further promote solar energy and advocate policies. Listing the other recommendations, Ashok Kumar said that the government should unleash the power of unused government land. Suggesting conversion of these land into solar parks he said, “Telangana boasts of vast stretches of government land that has been underutilized. Clean energy can be generated by converting these lands into solar parks. This would not only reduce dependence on conventional power sources but will also generate sustainable revenue for the State.”
He pointed out that other progressive States have successfully implemented Solar Policy while the previous Telangana government failed to implement the Solar Policy 2015 to its fullest potential neglecting its own Energy Policy, particularly between 2019 and 2023. “Absence of an updated solar policy is a challenge. To boost solar adoption net metering limit can be enhanced from 1MW to 2MW, behind-the-meter plants up to 5MW should be permitted with generation charge capped at Rs 1 per unit. The consumers should be charged with transmission and wheeling losses below Rs 1.50 per unit as per Central government norms enhancing industry cost competitiveness,” he added.
According to Ashok Kumar another setback towards achieving solar energy targets is not empowering villages with decentralised solar generation. Installation of solar panels on ponds, in schools and vacant government lands will provide electricity for schools, irrigation pumps, and community centres. Opportunities for decentralised power generation, he said will reduce dependence on the main grid while creating local jobs.
The other recommendations included promoting rooftop solar installations and watertop solar. He informed that in 2019-20, Telangana led the nation with 100 MW rooftop solar capacity whereas in 2023 the State has fallen behind in deployment with 250 MW.
(Congress party came to power in Telangana with A Revanth Reddy as its Chief Minister. Achieving faster industrial growth is essential for the new government to generate jobs and implement its high-value welfare schemes. In this backdrop, Bizz Buzz business daily has taken up a campaign to publish suggestions from industrialists, businessmen, industry associations, experts and others to help Telangana attract more investments. If you have any suggestions, mail them to [email protected]. We will publish innovative suggestions that add value to Telangana’s industrial ecosystem - Editor)
