New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday met three Union ministers here and sought the Centre’s support for the state’s renewable energy initiatives, a defence manufacturing hub proposal and a major water transfer project.
In his meeting with Union New and Renewable Energy Minister Prahlad Joshi, Naidu requested for the allocation of rooftop solar capacity under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and urged expediting approval of the proposals submitted by state electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs) in January.
“Had a fruitful meeting… With the Centre’s support, we will reduce energy costs, empower our people, and lead India’s clean energy transition,” Naidu, a key ally of the NDA, said in a post on X after meeting Joshi.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, Andhra Pradesh has been actively promoting rooftop solar installations as part of its clean energy push, he said.
Naidu has set an ambitious target of installing 20 lakh rooftop solar units by 2025.
Under the scheme, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe households will receive free rooftop solar systems, while backward caste households will get a subsidy of Rs 10,000 per kWp for up to 2kWp installations, Naidu said.
The state’s Clean Energy Policy 2024-29 targets an additional 72.6 GW of renewable energy, including 40 GW of solar power, and emphasises inclusive access and affordability.
“The proposed utility-led rooftop model will reduce Andhra Pradesh’s power purchase costs, empower vulnerable communities, and drive job creation,” an official statement said.
TDP leader and Union Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and party MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu were also present during the meeting.
Later, the chief minister called on Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil and discussed the state’s irrigation projects.
