Andhra Pradesh unveils energy roadmap to ensure 24/7 power supply

The Andhra Pradesh government has unveiled a comprehensive energy roadmap designed to ensure a continuous 24/7 power supply and mitigate the impact of El Niño weather conditions. Announced by Special Chief Secretary to Energy K Vijayanand, the strategy focuses on stabilizing the grid and reducing procurement costs.

Key components of the plan include the procurement of 1,600 MW of new thermal base-load power through a Design, Build, Finance, Own, and Operate (DBFOO) framework for 12 to 25 years. To manage solar energy spillage and meet evening peak demands, the state is deploying 1,500 MW / 6,000 MWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) at strategic locations.

Additionally, the state is expanding its storage capacity through over 2,000 MW of advanced battery energy storage and pumped hydro projects. This includes a 500 MW project under a central government scheme and the evaluation of a 1,344 MW pumped hydro storage project. These measures follow a 20 per cent year-on-year surge in average daily power consumption in August due to El Niño.