NITI Aayog Drafts Blueprint to Turn This State into a Clean Energy Hub by 2035

NITI Aayog has come out with an ambitious clean energy plan for Andhra Pradesh. The policy blueprint aims to transform the State into one of India’s top renewable energy hubs by 2035. The plan promises affordable electricity, large investments, job creation, and strong private sector participation. With falling power costs and major capacity additions, Andhra Pradesh is being positioned as a future clean energy export hub for the country.

NITI Aayog Clean Energy Blueprint What Is It?

• The clean energy blueprint is in news after NITI Aayog presented a draft plan to make Andhra Pradesh a major renewable energy hub by 2035.
• The plan was presented by BVR Subrahmanyam to the State government in Vijayawada.
• It focuses on clean power generation, energy storage, grid upgrades, and affordable electricity for all consumers under the ASSET platform.

Investment Plan Under Andhra Clean Energy Blueprint

• The NITI Aayog blueprint proposes massive investments to support Andhra Pradesh’s clean energy transition.
• Around ₹3.3–₹3.4 lakh crore is planned for the State’s domestic energy transition.
• An additional ₹4–₹4.2 lakh crore will be invested to develop Andhra Pradesh as a renewable energy export hub.
• In total, nearly ₹7.5 lakh crore investments are expected. Nearly 90% of the funding will come from private players.
• This investment push is expected to generate 5–6 lakh new jobs, boosting the State’s economy significantly.

Renewable Energy Capacity Targets for Andhra Pradesh

• Currently, around 47% of Andhra Pradesh’s power generation comes from renewable sources.
• By 2035, the State plans to add 35 GW of solar power, 12 GW of wind power, and 55–60 GWh of energy storage for domestic use.
• For national exports, the plan includes 30 GW solar, 25–30 GW wind, and 10–12 GW pumped storage capacity.
• These targets place Andhra Pradesh among India’s most aggressive clean energy planners.

Low Power Cost Promise Under NITI Aayog Plan

• A key highlight of the Andhra clean energy blueprint is affordable electricity.
• NITI Aayog estimates that power purchase costs may fall to ₹3.90–₹4 per unit.
• Overall supply costs are expected to remain below ₹6 per unit.
• This reduction will directly benefit households, farmers, and industries.
• Lower electricity prices are expected to improve farm incomes, industrial competitiveness, and reduce subsidy burdens on the State government.

Grid, Storage and Infrastructure Development

• To support renewable expansion, the blueprint proposes major grid upgrades.
• Investments of ₹65,000–₹70,000 crore are planned for transmission modernization, including green energy corridors, GIS substations, and HVDC lines.
• Another ₹40,000 crore will be invested in strengthening power distribution networks.
• Distributed solar projects for agriculture are also planned to ensure daytime power supply and reduce subsidy pressure.

Implementation Timeline and Monitoring Plan

• The Andhra Pradesh clean energy blueprint will be finalized by March 2026 and submitted to the Central Steering Committee.
• Implementation is expected to begin by mid-March 2026.
• A dedicated Energy War Room will be set up to monitor project execution and resolve bottlenecks.
• Officials stated that the plan aligns with the Swarna Andhra Vision and long-term industrial growth strategies of the State.

Background: ASSET Energy Transition Platform

• ASSET stands for Accelerating Sustainable State Energy Transition.
• It is a NITI Aayog initiative designed to help states plan long-term clean energy transitions.
• The platform focuses on affordability, reliability, private investment, and climate goals. Andhra Pradesh is among the first states to receive a detailed clean energy roadmap under ASSET.

Question

Q. NITI Aayog’s clean energy blueprint aims to make Andhra Pradesh a renewable hub by which year?

A. 2030
B. 2032
C. 2035
D. 2040