AP taking the lead in driving energy transition progress, says CM

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh has begun rolling out a rooftop-solar 'prosumer' model and micro-grid systems as part of its energy transition, chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu said on Monday. Speaking at the CII annual business summit in New Delhi, he said the state has reduced power procurement cost by 30 paise for the first time and has set a target to bring it down further by Rs 1.30.“Decentralised energy systems are necessary to reduce transmission losses and support sustainable growth. Andhra Pradesh is implementing the prosumer policy through rooftop solar, enabling households, farms, and industries to function as power producers,” he said.Stressing on the need for self-reliance considering the disruptions in gas supplies due to the ongoing US-Iran war, the CM referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s eight-point national mission, under which citizens were urged to postpone gold purchases, use energy prudently, increase power generation, and shift to public transport. He said work-from-home was also being promoted, supported by existing digital infrastructure.He said natural farming has emerged as a key focus area as it would reduce fertiliser imports and strengthen self-sufficiency. “Nearly 20 lakh acres and 20 lakh farmers in Andhra Pradesh have shifted to natural farming,” he said, adding that soil health is improving through certification and traceability mechanisms introduced by the state govt.Referring to the broader energy transition, Naidu said green energy, biogas, ethanol, electric vehicles, and decentralised systems have become essential across sectors. He said micro-grid systems were developed to improve efficiency and cut transmission losses.On human resources, Naidu said employability must become a national mission, warning that delays in converting graduates into professionals would weaken national priorities. “The academia, industry, and govt need to work in tandem. Industries require skilled manpower, educational institutions need to deliver job-ready professionals, while govts need to play a key role in attracting investments,” he said.Providing an overview of the recent performance of the NDA govt, Naidu said in the last 22 months, Andhra Pradesh secured Rs 23 lakh crore in investment commitments, which can create 24 lakh jobs. He reiterated that the state was targeting a $2.4-trillion economy by 2047, with India also likely to emerge as the world’s top economy by that year. Stating that his govt has been pursuing the 'speed of doing business' and 'speed of delivering governance', he said Amaravati is being developed as a technology-integrated city following a net-zero approach.The CM later met Jal Shakti minister CR Patil, and sought the Centre’s full cooperation to complete the Polavaram irrigation project before the 2027 Godavari Pushkaralu. Urging the Union govt to resolve key pending issues to ensure uninterrupted execution, Naidu said the state govt is committed to complete the prestigious project within the stipulated timeline, while seeking support to complete the first‑phase works required to store water up to 41.15 metres.Naidu said he personally visited the project site five times to review progress. “The new diaphragm wall was completed by April 2, and the crucial earth‑cum‑rock fill dam works in Gap‑1 and Gap‑2 are in progress,” he said, and requested the Centre to permanently withdraw the stop‑work orders issued in 2011, citing pending public hearings in Odisha and Chhattisgarh. “Their continuation can hinder further works. Revocation of the orders would allow faster execution without procedural obstacles,” he added.Referring to irrigation requirements, Naidu said the capacity of the right and left canals were enhanced to 17,500 cusecs. He informed the Union minister that 95% of the right canal and 78% of the left canal works have been completed and sought reimbursement of funds for the enhanced capacity along with release of funds for the next phase.On the inter‑state river issues, Naidu urged the Centre not to issue any gazette notification on raising the Almatti dam height till the Supreme Court delivers its final verdict, stating that any increase would adversely impact Andhra Pradesh’s interests.Naidu also met Union home minister Amit Shah and discussed various issues pertaining to the state.