AP climate cell prescribes 8 measures to shield energy sector from climate risks
The Andhra Pradesh State Climate Change Cell (APSCCC), under the Department of Environment, Forests and Science & Technology, has recommended eight adaptation measures for the energy sector as part of the State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) for 2025-30. The recommendations follow a detailed vulnerability assessment that highlights the sector's susceptibility to climate change and its long-term effects.
According to the assessment, climate change-induced temperature rises and variable rainfall patterns are likely to significantly affect the state's energy demand. Energy production and delivery are also expected to be disrupted by increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, shifting precipitation patterns, and higher temperatures.
The APSCCC has warned that fossil fuel supplies, along with thermal and hydroelectricity production and transmission, will be adversely affected. It also predicts that the sector's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will rise as energy demand increases. Extreme weather and rising sea levels are anticipated to damage power infrastructure, particularly plants located in coastal areas.
The vulnerability mapping reveals that most northern and central regions of the state are 'very highly vulnerable' to climate change. Southern coastal areas and parts of the north and central regions are 'moderately vulnerable', while the south-western areas show relatively low vulnerability.
Key adaptation measures proposed include increasing renewable energy's share to 40% of the total energy mix, primarily from solar and wind. The plan also calls for establishing 120 gigawatts of renewable power projects and two environment-friendly hydrogen hubs with a combined capacity of 60 MW. Additionally, the APSCCC suggests installing one lakh fast and slow electric vehicle charging stations across the state.
Other measures focus on energy efficiency. These include retrofitting existing buildings, promoting efficient cooling systems and street lighting, achieving 100% coverage of Energy Conservation Cells in commercial, industrial, agriculture, and domestic sectors, and improving energy efficiency in drinking water pumping and lift irrigation systems.
Some of these steps have already been initiated by agencies such as AP-Genco, the New & Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh, and the AP Green Energy Corporation Limited. The proposals go beyond central government interventions and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7, which aims to ensure affordable and clean energy for all.
The comprehensive strategy is designed to mitigate the dual challenge posed by climate change: reducing the energy sector's vulnerability to climate impacts while curbing its contribution to global warming through GHG emissions from fossil fuels.
