Solar power boost to Andhra Pradesh’s farming sector

In a big boost to the state’s energy sector, the Solar Energy Corporation of India has come forward to supply about 9,000 mw to meet the demand of agriculture pumpsets. SECI has promised to supply power at Rs 2.49 per unit, the lowest rate in the country. The state government had recently floated tenders to set up 6,400 mw plants for the agriculture sector. However, the finalisation of bids was delayed due to a pending litigation in the high court. The SECI offer comes at a time when the state government was contemplating to finalise the bids after getting the clearance from the high court. The state government has already identified the land to set up the mega solar parks. The SECI, however, wants the state government to purchase power from the plants to be launched by the agency. The government is expected to take a call on the issue soon.