India now power surplus, renewable capacity hits 538 GW: Prahlad Joshi

Tirupati: Union minister for new & renewable energy Pralhad Joshi stated that India has emerged as a ‘power surplus’ country from what he termed as a dark period of blackouts and power outages, referring to the period prior to 2014.The minister addressed a media conference in Tirupati on Tuesday, on the achievements of the ‘12 years of NDA government’ at the centre, which he described as ‘12 years of Vishwas ke, Vikas ke and Jan Kalyan ke’. With 290 GW of installed capacity in renewable energy sector, India has surpassed the US, bagging the third and fourth in terms of global rankings in the solar and wind energy sectors respectively, he pointed out, metaphorically calling the transformation as ‘from darkness to light’. “The country has reached 538 GW of power generation capacity with 33% of contribution from renewable resources”, he added.Referring to the growth phase witnessed during the last twelve years of NDA rule, he credited prime minister Narendra Modi of having led the country from what was ridiculed as ‘one of the top five fragile economies in the world’ into a Rs 345 lakh crore ‘growing economy’.Hailing chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu for leading Andhra Pradesh on the growth trajectory, the Union minister recalled the centre’s formidable support extended for the capital city of Amaravati, Polavaram project, Vizag steel plant, South Coastal Railway zone etc. Prahlad Joshi earlier mourned the death of employees in Vizag Steel Plant and assured support to the bereaved families and the injured.Along with state ministers Anagani Satya Prasad (Revenue), Gottipati Ravi Kumar (Power) and state BJP president PVN Madhav, he released booklets narrating the 12 years of NDA rule and its impact on development, welfare and governance.