India: Suzlon to invest Rs 180 bn in Andhra Pradesh; to set up projects totaling 3,000 MW

New Delhi, Jan 16 (PTI) Wind power turbine maker Suzlon today said it has signed a pact with the government of Andhra Pradesh for investing Rs 180.0 billion (about USD 3.5 billion) to develop wind power projects in the southern Indian state by 2016. Suzlon signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Andhra Pradesh for the development of wind capacity in the state totaling 3,000 MW between 2012 and 2016, creating potential investments of up to Rs 180.0 billion, the company said in a statement. Under the MoU, the Andhra Pradesh government will facilitate Suzlon in obtaining necessary permissions, registrations, approvals and clearances for the development of the wind farms, it said. 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, it added. "We are extremely pleased to sign this MoU with the Government of Andhra Pradesh. It illustrates their commitment to power a low-carbon economy by embracing progressive policies to power rapidly growing economy of the state," Suzlon India Chairman Tulsi Tanti said. The agreement covers the development of new capacity in wind farms across the state, with development planned in the districts of Tallimadugula, Alankarayanipeta, Gandikota, Vajrakarur, Tirumalayapalli and other parts of Andhra Pradesh. The wind power potential of Andhra Pradesh is around 9,000 MW of which only about 200 MW has been harnessed so far. PTI