Amid the ongoing coal crisis and power supply shortage, the state government has focused on construction of the 29 proposed pumped storage hydropower projects. These projects will have a combined capacity of 33,240 MW.
According to the Union ministry of power, the present coal crisis may last two years. At the same time, power demand is increasing with each passing year.
As coal provides 52 per cent of the total power generated in India, its shortage has badly affected the power generation across the country. As Coal India Limited may not be able to cater the needs of thermal stations, the states have been directed to import 10 per cent of their yearly coal requirement.
Considering all these factors, the state energy department is planning to expedite these 29 pumped storage hydropower projects. These are being designed as a combination of pumped hydro storage, solar and wind energy projects.
Apart from converting variable renewable energy sources into round-the-clock power, these projects are expected to attract large scale investments into the state.
According to the state officials, techno-commercial feasibility reports were already prepared for all these 29 locations. Detailed project reports are being prepared for the first phase projects that will come up at seven locations with an estimated potential of 6,600 MW. Of these seven projects, four locations are on-river (reservoir based) projects and three are off-river.
During a review meeting with officials, state energy minister Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy said; “Even though the entire country is facing a severe coal shortage, for which Andhra Pradesh is no exception, chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has specifically emphasised the need to lift power restrictions imposed on industries as early as possible.”
