The Andhra Pradesh Energy Department is exploring solar power projects on vacant lands at state-owned thermal power plants (TPPs) to meet part of their auxiliary energy needs and monetise unused assets.

A tender has been floated for a detailed project report (DPR) at the Sri Damodaram Sanjeevaiah Thermal Power Station (SDSTPS) in Nellore, where about 24 acres have been identified. The selected agency will have 45 days to complete the study. A similar project is also planned at the Rayalaseema Thermal Power Plant in Kadapa. Officials stated that solar power would be used to run boiler feed pumps, coal handling, and other systems, helping reduce dependence on grid supply.

The move aligns with the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) conceptualised by NITI Aayog, which seeks to unlock the value of public infrastructure investments. Hydel power stations also have significant idle land suitable for solar development. Currently, TPPs consume up to 10 percent of their output for internal operations, far higher than the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission norms.