Suzlon Energy has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Andhra Pradesh government to develop a wind capacity in the state totaling 3,000 MW between 2012 and 2016, creating potential investments of up to 18,000 crore, part of a wave of investment proposals flowing to the state after the Partnership Summit.

The state government will facilitate Suzlon in securing necessary permissions, registrations, approvals and clearances for the development of the wind farms. Suzlon, in turn, will play the role of a developer and facilitate the channelisation of investments into the state through its customers investing in wind energy.

The MoU covers the development of new capacity in wind farms across the state with development planned in various locations in the state that include Tallimadugula, Alankarayanipeta, Gandikota, Vajrakarur and Tirumalayapalli. Andhra Pradesh is a key emerging wind market in the country with medium to low wind sites ideally suited to Suzlon's new S9X suite of turbines, the company said.

Mr Tulsi Tanti chairman of Suzlon Group said that "This not only reinforces Andhra Pradesh's position as one of India's emerging markets in wind energy, but also illustrates their commitment to power a low carbon economy by embracing progressive policies to power rapidly growing economy of the state." AP has about 200 MW commissioned wind power projects and another 250 MW would likely be commissioned by March 2012. Of total investment proposals received at the Partnership Summit, those that pertain to energy sector involve investments of 295,508 crore.

(Sourced from ET)