Telangana eyes 2,000 MW wind energy addition in 3 years

Telangana is eyeing addition of 2,000 MW wind energy in the next three years and has proposed to offer a set of incentives to developers, including 100 per cent tax refund for inputs and stamp duty for land purchased. National Institute of Wind Energy, based on initial surveys, has identified a potential of 4,244 MW of wing energy in Telangana and the state government intends to add at least 2,000 MW of such power by 2018-19, according to Telangana New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation Limited.

The draft Telangana Wind Power Policy 2016 put out by TNREDCL inviting suggestions and comments said the limit as per the land ceiling act would not be applicable for any land acquisition for wind power projects (WPPs). “The wheeling and transmission charges are exempted for captive/group captive use within the State”, it said. The draft policy said, “100 per cent refund of VAT/SGST for all the inputs required for wind power projects will be provided by the commercial tax department for a period of five years. Industries Department will provide incentive in terms of 100 per cent refund of Stamp Duty for land purchased for setting up wind power project and/or wind-solar hybrids”.

WPPs being a part of green energy would be exempted from obtaining any NOC/consent for establishment under pollution control laws from Telangana Pollution Control Board. For availing the policy’s benefits, power generated has to be consumed within the state. The Wind Policy Cell would undertake single window clearance for all such projects. Power generated from the WPPs installed entirely or partly on the government or revenue land or forest areas shall be for sale within the state only, it added.