In a significant move, Telangana’s Green Power Policy has sparked substantial investment, with commitments ranging from ₹80,000 crore to ₹1 lakh crore. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, who also heads the Energy portfolio, announced that multiple firms have inked Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), setting the stage for a transformative shift in the state’s energy landscape. This policy aims to boost green energy generation to 20,000 MW by 2030 and an ambitious 40,000 MW by 2040, a stark contrast to the stagnant policy initiatives of the past decade under the previous BRS regime.
To foster investments, the government has implemented a single-window approval system, complemented by various incentives. One of the most innovative steps is the MoU between women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Telangana State Power Generation Corporation Limited (GENCO) to produce 1,000 MW of solar power. This initiative not only promotes renewable energy but also empowers women by leasing them vacant lands to become entrepreneurs, with the state committed to buying back the generated power.
Vikramarka also highlighted the government’s efforts to engage youth in the green energy sector. Telangana’s recent agreement with Rajasthan for solar power generation underscores its commitment to harnessing renewable resources. The state is also taking bold steps to promote electric vehicles (EVs), including waiving registration taxes, which has led to a notable increase in EV adoption. The establishment of EV charging stations along highways and the introduction of electric and battery-operated buses, while phasing out diesel-powered ones, further cement this commitment.
Moreover, the government is curbing the issuance of new permits for diesel auto-rickshaws in Hyderabad, actively promoting battery-operated alternatives. Plans are also afoot to relocate high-pollution vehicles beyond the Outer Ring Road (ORR). Vikramarka even extended an invitation to MLAs and MLCs for a special session on the Green Energy Policy, indicating a collaborative approach to policymaking.
This news could significantly reshape the energy sector in Telangana and beyond. The substantial investments and ambitious targets set a benchmark for other states, potentially sparking a competitive drive towards renewable energy adoption. The empowerment of women through SHGs adds a social dimension to the policy, which could inspire similar initiatives nationwide.
The focus on electric vehicles and charging infrastructure positions Telangana as a leader in the EV revolution, attracting manufacturers and investors. The phasing out of diesel vehicles and relocation of high-pollution ones could drastically improve air quality, setting a precedent for other metropolitan areas grappling with pollution.
However, the success of these initiatives hinges on effective implementation and continued support from both the government and private sector. The single-window approval system, while promising, must deliver on its efficiency claims to maintain investor confidence. The buy-back provision for power generated by women SHGs needs robust financial backing and transparent processes.
The EV promotion strategy, while commendable, must address challenges such as range anxiety and charging time to ensure widespread adoption. Additionally, the plan to relocate high-pollution vehicles must be executed thoughtfully to avoid disruption to businesses and livelihoods.
Overall, Telangana’s Green Power Policy is a bold step towards a sustainable future, with implications that ripple through the energy market, social empowerment, and environmental conservation. The coming years will reveal whether this policy can deliver on its promises and serve as a model for other states to emulate. The energy sector is watching closely, as the success or failure of this initiative could shape the narrative around renewable energy and electric vehicles in India.
