The Energy Shift: APGENCO’s Plan to Modernize Andhra’s Grid

To meet rising power demand while reducing carbon emissions, the Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation (APGENCO) is working to diversify its energy portfolio, which is currently dominated by thermal and hydro power generation.

One of the key initiatives under consideration is the integration of small modular reactors (SMRs). However, APGENCO Managing Director S. Nagalakshmi said the proposal is still at a preliminary stage, with challenges such as high costs and regulatory clearances requiring detailed assessment. Alongside this, the utility is prioritising the completion of pumped storage hydropower projects (PSHPs) and improving the operational performance of thermal power plants (TPPs), which remain critical for meeting base-load requirements.

On coal availability, Nagalakshmi said that blending domestic coal with imported and washed coal has helped mitigate grade slippage issues that impact plant load factors (PLFs). She also noted that APGENCO is cautiously evaluating battery energy storage systems (BESS), citing strong competition from private players and the need to establish a financially sustainable deployment model.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.