Andhra Pradesh’s efforts in promoting energy efficiency and sustainable urban development have garnered praise at the South-West Regional Conference in Hyderabad. The state’s recent Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) have been particularly noteworthy. These agreements, signed during the CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam, cover various sectors such as housing, urban local bodies, MSMEs, and tourism. According to Girish Sethi, a senior executive from The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi, these MoUs have the potential to attract investments worth Rs 5,000 crore and serve as a model for other states.
One of the key highlights of the conference was the collaboration between AP Tourism and EESL to introduce geothermal technology in Araku Valley, a region renowned for its coffee and organic produce. This initiative aims to reduce energy consumption by 50-70% annually, with a payback period of 4-5 years and a lifecycle of over 15 years. Ajay Jain, Special Chief Secretary, Housing & Tourism, AP, believes that this project will enhance Araku’s reputation as a sustainable tourism hub.
The conference also featured a high-level meeting chaired by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, which focused on strengthening Centre-State collaboration under the Viksit Bharat Vision. The meeting was attended by senior officials from Southwestern States and UTs, as well as top bureaucrats. Representing Andhra Pradesh were MA&UD Minister P Narayana, Ajay Jain, Principal Secretary S Suresh Kumar, and CDMA P Sampath Kumar.
Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to clean energy and energy efficiency has been applauded by national experts, who see it as a long-term vision to protect future generations. The state’s aggressive push for sustainable urban development is expected to have a positive impact on the environment and the economy. With its innovative initiatives and collaborations, Andhra Pradesh is setting an example for other states to follow. The conference provided a platform for the state to showcase its achievements and learn from other regions, ultimately contributing to the country’s progress towards a more sustainable future.