Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 12 January 2024
In an effort to address the soaring cost of power generation in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Administration, in collaboration with the Ministry of Power, is actively pursuing long-term solutions to ensure a stable and affordable power supply for the archipelago.
(i) Interconnection from Mainland to Port Blair
During a meeting convened on October 13, 2023, at the Ministry of Power (MoP), a proposed High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) interconnection emerged as the most viable solution. The Central Transmission Utility of India Ltd. (CTUIL) is contemplating a +320 KV, 250 MW undersea cable linking the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the mainland. This strategic move is expected to substantially reduce the current high cost of power generation in the region.
(ii) Greening of Islands
In line with the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, the Department has embarked on various green initiatives, including the installation of 29.23 MW Solar Power Plants (Ground-mounted + Rooftop) in Port Blair, South Andaman, and Car Nicobar. The Renewable Energy (RE) plan involves executing solar power projects, incorporating Battery Storage solutions. Notable projects include 100 MW for South Andaman, 3.8 MW for Swaraj Dweep, 1.3 MW for Shaheed Dweep, 5.7 MW for Little Andaman, and an aggregate capacity of 13.83 MW for the Nicobar Group of Islands. Additionally, studies on Wind Resource Assessment (WRA) are underway at identified locations to explore the potential for wind power projects.
(iii) Rooftop Solar Project
Aligned with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of complete solarisation, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has set ambitious targets. By December 2024, all government buildings are slated to be solarised through empanelled vendors in the CAPEX mode. Furthermore, a plan is in place to promote the installation of Rooftop Solar Plants in residential buildings. Through the RESCO mode, all households aim to be equipped with modular-sized Rooftop Solar Plants by 2026. Commercial and other establishments are encouraged to solarise their structures through CAPEX/RESCO or independent arrangements. The Administration remains committed to achieving 100% saturation of Rooftop Solar Plants within the specified timeline.