Energy Minister Mohd. Ali Shabbir at a function in Hyderabad on Tuesday

HYDERABAD: The State Government is contemplating putting in place a wind power policy to benefit industries generating power based on wind energy, according to Energy Minister Md Ali Shabbir.

Inaugurating the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Indian Wind Power Association here on Tuesday, Mr. Shabbir said he would take up the cause of wind power producers with Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy immediately. He also offered to discuss with officials the association's plea to hike the unit cost of wind power from Rs. 2.70 to Rs. 3.30.

Power purchase

Mr. Shabbir said the Government had purchased power from neighbouring States at high rates to keep its promise to supply power to farmers for seven hours a day. As against the requirement of 7,943 MW a day, the State was able to generate only 6,760 MW, he added.

He attributed the delay in allocation of gas supplies to gas-based power generation units as one reason for the crisis in the power sector. Four such units were awaiting assured allocation to commence operations.

President of the State Association, T. G. Venkatesh, urged the Government to announce incentives such as capital subsidy and sales tax exemption besides a single-window system for issuing clearances for setting up windmills.

The IPWA vice-chairman, K. Kasturirangaiahan, said the State has potential to generate 8,275 MW wind power while the installed capacity so far was only 121 MW.

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