Telangana’s Green Energy Policy: Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future

In a decisive move to steer the state towards a sustainable and self-sufficient energy future, Telangana is refining its approach to renewable energy with the proposed Telangana Clean & Green Energy Policy 2024 (TGREEN). Aimed at meeting the state’s growing energy demands while aligning with environmental goals, this policy is poised to reshape the energy landscape in the region, and its importance cannot be overstated.

Telangana’s diverse economic base spanning technology, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture has become a significant player on India’s industrial map. This growing economic activity has translated into an increased demand for energy, making a resilient, sustainable energy sector a necessity and an urgent priority. In this context, the proposed TGREEN policy is crucial for ensuring that the state can meet its energy needs without compromising environmental sustainability.

The key objectives of the TGREEN policy are straightforward yet ambitious: provide reliable and affordable green power, ensure self-sufficiency for Telangana’s power utilities, and promote the development of renewable energy projects across the state. The policy also aims to stimulate private investments, foster job creation, and boost the local economy.

One of the most significant features of the TGREEN policy is its focus on incentivizing growth in green energy sectors. Tax rebates, capital subsidies, and a streamlined approval process via a single-window clearance mechanism are just the beginning. These incentives are designed to attract private sector investments in renewable energy, energy storage, and green hydrogen initiatives. In addition, there’s a strong push for developing distributed generation sources and bolstering local industries involved in clean energy production.

Grid modernization is another crucial aspect of the policy. Telangana’s energy infrastructure must evolve to integrate the increasing capacity of renewable energy sources seamlessly. The policy outlines a vision for strengthening transmission and distribution networks, ensuring these new energy projects can be smoothly incorporated into the grid while maintaining reliability and stability.

Telangana’s energy needs are projected to rise exponentially in the coming years. By FY30, the state’s peak electricity demand is expected to reach 24,215 MW, nearly a 55% increase from FY24’s demand of 15,623 MW. By FY35, this could grow to 31,809 MW. With these demands on the horizon, ensuring they are met with clean, renewable energy is a challenge the state is preparing for head-on.

The state already possesses immense potential for renewable energy generation. With over 300 days of sunshine every year, Telangana is well-positioned to harness solar power, and its current capacity of 7,889 MW of solar energy is a testament to that. The state is also one of India’s top eight for wind power, with a potential of 54,717 MW. Alongside these, Telangana is advancing pumped storage projects, with sites at Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar already operational, and there is additional potential for more pumped storage plants to enhance energy storage capacity and ensure grid stability.

The policy also highlights electric vehicles (EVs) as a key element of Telangana’s energy future. The adoption of EVs is expected to accelerate in the coming years, and the policy encourages the creation of EV charging infrastructure and fosters the growth of the electric vehicle ecosystem in the state.

Telangana aims to add 20,000 MW of renewable energy and storage capacity by 2030 to meet its ambitious energy targets. This includes standalone solar and wind installations and cutting-edge technologies like floating solar power plants, Renewable Energy (Round-the-Clock), and Firm and dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE). These innovations will provide flexibility and reliability, addressing the challenges of intermittency often associated with renewable energy sources.

Currently, Telangana’s renewable energy capacity stands at a robust 11,399 MW. Solar energy leads the way at 7,889 MW, followed by distributed renewable energy (771 MW), wind energy (128 MW), hydro energy (2,518 MW), and 872 EV charging stations. As the state pursues its green energy agenda, integrating these diverse energy sources will ensure a steady, reliable, and clean electricity supply.

The TGREEN policy is not just a roadmap for Telangana’s energy future but a comprehensive blueprint for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social development. Telangana is positioning itself as a leader in India’s clean energy transition by focusing on renewable energy, energy storage, and grid modernisation. The policy’s emphasis on public-private partnerships, technological innovation, and infrastructure development promises to create a robust and resilient energy ecosystem that can meet future challenges.

As Telangana moves ahead with the TGREEN policy, its commitment to a green, sustainable, and energy-secure future is clear. The state is setting an example for others to follow, showing that with the right policies and strategic initiatives, clean energy and economic growth goals can go hand in hand.