VISAKHAPATNAM: Ever wondered how a power plant works? Till now, only big shots or those with friends working in the power plant were able to visit the place and behold the many intricate workings of an energy plant. But if the plans of Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL) to establish an Energy Park succeed, people will get an opportunity to witness the functioning of all types of power stations at one place.
The APEPDCL is planning to set up the Energy Park with different new and renewable sources of energy run exhibits and also working models of both indoor and outdoor power stations in Visakhapatnam city to facilitate public, students and children to gain a first-hand understanding of the working of a power plant and learn energy conservation techniques, besides creating awareness on renewable energy through engaging games and workshops.
“We have already called for expression of interest (EOI) from interested organisations for setting up the park on a BOOT (Build, Operate, Own, Transfer) basis. We will provide the necessary support for setting up the miniature models of power plants apart from providing land for establishment of the project,” said EPDCL director (Operations) P Rama Mohan.
The idea to set up the Energy Park was derived from Karnataka where a similar park has been set up for creating awareness about power conservation among public.
In Visakhapatnam city, the authorities have identified about 1.2 acres of land belonging to the discom at Sagarnagar area adjacent to the beach road, and the cost estimations for grounding the project are about Rs 2 crore.
“The proposal is in the preliminary stages and the higher authorities agreed in principle. We want to commission the project within the next six months based on the response for the expression of interest from different organisations. If the available area at Sagarnagar is not viable, we are also considering options for acquiring adequate area elsewhere as per the final proposals,” said B Ramesh Prasad, chief general manager (Commercial).