Project in Kurnool to have 1200MW pumped storage

The State government on Thursday approved the proposal of Greenko Energies Private Limited (GEPL) for the establishment of India’s largest Integrated Renewable Energy Project (IREP) at Pinnapuram village in Panyam mandal of Kurnool district.

The project comprises 1000 MW solar and 550 MW wind energy plants and 1200 MW standalone pumped storage facility. A G.O was issued to that effect on behalf of Principal Secretary (Infrastructure, Energy and Investment) Ajay Jain.

As per the G.O, the government has also approved the allocation of 1 tmcft of water on a non-consumptive basis from Gorakallu reservoir as per the industrial water supply guidelines subject to guidelines issued by the Irrigation Department, recognition as a Mega Industrial Project (to facilitate single window clearances and facilitation) and allotment and alienation of 4766.28 acres of land to GEPL on outright sale basis as per the latest market value to be fixed by Revenue Department.

The project is to be completed within four years failing which the land has to be returned to the government.

The G.O. stated that the government of A.P. targeted to create 18000 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2021-22 comprising 10000 MW solar and 8000 MW wind.

With the promotion measures initiated by the State government, the share of renewable energy in total power consumption has reached 18% during 2017-18. GEPL said that the project would create 15,000 jobs and 3,000 after construction and result in a fresh investment of ₹15,000 crore in the State. The power will be evacuated through Power Grid Corporation of India network. MoU for this project was signed by the GEPL with Government of A.P. at the CII Partnership Summit-2018 held in Vizag.