Revanth Reddy prioritises solar power expansion in Telangana's energy strategy

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has prioritised solar energy in Telangana’s power strategy as the state moves towards becoming a business hub.

In a review meeting with power department officials at the Telangana Secretariat on Wednesday, Revanth Reddy emphasised the need to increase solar power generation to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply for future economic growth.

He directed the officials to coordinate with the IT and industrial sectors to develop an action plan to meet future power demands. He called for measures to boost solar energy production by utilising unused lands across various departments and forest areas for setting up solar plants. Revanth Reddy stressed the importance of preparing to generate power based on demand and ensuring continuous availability of electricity.

As part of the solar expansion plan, the Chief Minister instructed officials to distribute free solar pump sets to farmers, encouraging them to shift to solar power. He suggested using Kondareddy Palle as a pilot project for this initiative. Revanth Reddy also advised preparing plans to allow farmers to generate income by selling surplus electricity from their solar pump sets.

To further reduce reliance on conventional energy, the Chief Minister proposed promoting solar cylinders as an alternative to traditional cooking gas. He recommended training women’s groups in the use of solar cylinders and encouraging them to enter the solar business.

Revanth Reddy set a target to have 40,000 megawatts of electricity available annually and directed officials to ensure efficient energy production. He emphasised the need to reduce costs and implement permanent solutions to issues like overloading. He stressed that there should be no disruptions in the power supply, even for a minute. He urged officials to ensure a reliable, 24-hour electricity supply to build public confidence, making sure consumers face no difficulties with power availability.

The Chief Minister also emphasised the need for coordinated efforts between various departments to achieve these energy goals while keeping future demands and the state's economic expansion in mind.