Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said the state government was committed to expanding environmentally friendly energy sources to meet rising electricity demand. He outlined the Telangana Clean and Green Energy Policy-2025 while responding to questions in the Legislative Council. The state’s peak electricity demand has increased from 15,497 MW in 2014 to 19,543 MW as of September 9, with demand likely to reach 20,000 to 21,000 MW this year. The policy integrates conventional and non-conventional sources, while pumped storage projects are being considered to support grid stability. Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for such projects could take 1.5 to 2 years, and commercial operation could require 5 to 8 years. Ten proponents have expressed interest, with permissions to be issued after the DPRs are submitted. The government plans to provide 2,000 MW of solar power to farmers under the PM-KUSUM scheme and is encouraging them to establish 2 MW plants. A pilot project for complete solarisation has been commissioned in Mannanur, in the Upper Plateau area of Achampet constituency. The state is also developing village micro-grids with battery storage to supply power after sunset, although high battery costs have delayed projects despite central Viability Gap Funding (VGF). Bhatti said the government spends Rs. 140 bn annually on free electricity for 2,900,000 agricultural pump sets and another Rs. 50 bn on up to 200 units of free power for 5,300,000 domestic consumers. Redirecting part of the subsidy expenditure towards solarisation could reduce pressure on state finances and improve farmers’ energy self-reliance. Land prices of Rs. 2 mn to more than Rs. 2.5 mn per acre were making solar projects less viable, while the government was assessing limited wind potential near Parigi. It was also promoting Compressed Biogas (CBG) projects, examining coal gasification and entering into Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for solar projects established by women’s Self-Help Groups on leased temple and government land. Officials would review measures to restore non-functional solar street lights in local bodies.