Chandrababu Naidu does it again. A noted visionary, who put a slow and wobbly Hyderabad on the fast lane by bringing an IT Focus in 1998, he has consistently shown the ability to look ahead of the curve. Now bifurcated into two, he has an ominous task of reviving a state without the revenue of its erstwhile crown jewel - Hyderabad.
This time, apart from various green initiatives at the planning stage itself, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh’s newly planned capital, is poised to make history as the world’s first city powered entirely by renewable energy, blending cutting-edge urban planning with environmental sustainability.
Spearheaded by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the Rs 65,000-crore greenfield project, spanning 217 square kilometers along the Krishna River, aims to harness 2,700 MW of green energy from solar, wind, and hydropower to meet its entire electricity demand, aligning with India’s clean energy goals. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to lay the foundation stone in April 2025, Amaravati is designed to be a global benchmark for sustainable urban development, integrating renewable energy into its smart city framework.
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By 2050, Amaravati is projected to require 2.7 GW of power, with at least 30% sourced from renewables, including mandatory rooftop solar panels covering one-third of government housing project rooftops. All major buildings, including the Amaravati Government Complex, will adhere to green building standards, ensuring energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.
The city’s public transport, including the Amaravati Metro and electric bus fleet, will run on renewable energy, supported by widespread EV charging infrastructure. Solar potential in public spaces like parks and bus depots is also being explored.
The Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) has already installed 415 kW of rooftop solar panels across 16 Anganwadis, 14 e-health centers, 13 public schools, and a multi-faith funeral center. A district cooling system, developed with Tabreed, will reduce cooling energy demand by 50% for government complexes, critical in a region facing high heat wave days.
With a projected peak power factored into planning, Amaravati’s renewable energy focus, backed by a focused government with an able leader, positions it as a model for future cities worldwide.
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