VIJAYAWADA: In a bid to harness renewable energy, Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam (SDMS) is setting up a solar power plant of one megawatt capacity at an estimated cost of `5 crore. The plant will be set up in five acres of land belonging to the temple at Nunna. According to the Devasthanam officials, the New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Ltd (NREDCAP) will set up the solar power plant with 20 per cent subsidy on the installation cost. Tenders for the plant will be invited soon. The operation and maintenance of the plant will be entrusted to the winning bidder for a period of 10 years.
The plant will generate 15 lakh units of renewable energy per annum. The generated energy will be supplied to the temple atop Indrakeeladri through a 33/11 kv substation. The surplus power will be provided to the APTransco. At present, the Devasthanam consumes 9 lakh units of power per annum and its power bill amounts to `75 lakh. The setting up of a solar power plant will enable the temple to save considerable amount on power bill.
Speaking to Express, Durga temple Executive Officer A Surya Kumari said Simhachalam Devasthanam set up a one megawatt solar power plant a few months ago and it became power surplus now.
“Taking a cue from Simhachalam Devasthanam, we are planning to set up the solar power plant. It generates 15 lakh units of renewable energy. As of now, the temple consumes 9 lakh units of power per annum. The remaining 6 lakh units will be supplied to APTransco through which the Devasthanam can earn `34.5 lakh income,” she said.
1 MW plant
L5 crore
Project cost
5 acres
Area
9 lakh units
Present consumption
per annum
L75 lakh
Power bill
6 lakh units
Surplus power to be generated
by the plant