AP aims for net zero carbon emissions, continues to lead nation in energy conservation: CS

AP aims for net zero carbon emissions, continues to lead nation in energy conservation

Vijayawada, December 20, 2025: State Chief Secretary and Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh State Energy Conservation Mission K Vijayanand said that every citizen must participate in the effort to make Andhra Pradesh a carbon neutral state. He was speaking at the valedictory ceremony of Energy Conservation Week 2025 and the State Energy Conservation Awards programme held at Hotel Vivanta.

Vijayanand said Andhra Pradesh has secured the first place at the national level in energy conservation for the fourth consecutive year. He recalled that after Cyclone Hudhud, all streetlights in Visakhapatnam were converted to LED lights, achieving nearly 45 percent energy savings, with monitoring supported through Central Control and Monitoring System units. With the support of BEE and EESL, more than two crore LED bulbs were distributed across the state, ensuring around 30 percent power savings. Energy efficient agriculture motors and the PAT scheme in industries have also helped reduce energy consumption.

He said municipal laws were amended to introduce Green Building Code guidelines under which new buildings must use energy efficient equipment. Around two to three thousand buildings have already been certified as green structures. He said Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu aims to reduce greenhouse gases and achieve net zero carbon under the Swarnandhra Vision 2047. The state is promoting renewable energy as part of an integrated clean energy policy.

Vijayanand said promoting solar rooftop systems in every village will help reduce transmission losses and conserve power. A Green Energy Policy has set a target of 160 gigawatts in the next five years, and clearances have already been issued for projects totaling nearly 100 gigawatts. He said timely completion will move the state closer to its net zero target. To spread awareness, 1,600 energy literacy clubs have been set up in schools.

APGENCO CEO and APSECM Vice Chairperson M Nagalakshmi said Energy Conservation Week was celebrated statewide from December 14 to 20 through awareness activities in schools, industries, MSMEs and other institutions, along with demonstrations on efficient appliances and EV technologies.

APCPDCL Chairman and Managing Director P Pulla Reddy congratulated award winners and said national recognition in energy conservation has become a matter of pride for Andhra Pradesh. He said saving power is essential as demand continues to grow and reminded that saving one unit of electricity is equivalent to generating two units. Remote control street lighting systems have already been implemented in two districts and will soon be expanded across the state.

Awards were presented to winners in industry, cement, pharma, buildings, hotels, RTC depots, bus stations and institutional categories, along with prizes for winners of the short video competition for school students.