Andhra Pradesh can emerge as a solar hub, says Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal

Andhra Pradesh could emerge as a hub in solar power generation in the near future with the pro-active approach of the state government, Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal said in Hyderabad on Sunday.

"I think, on solar power generation in your state, some fresh thinking and new ideas have been brought to the table today. I am fairly confident and very soon in the days to come, Andhra Pradesh will become a solar hub.

"I am confident that with the proactive approach that I have found with Chandrababu garu (Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu) over the last few months, I am quite sure that in very near future, I can see Andhra Pradesh becoming a power-surplus state," Goyal told reporters in Hyderabad after emerging from a meeting he had with Naidu.

The TDP government in the state has been laying emphasis on the power sector to ensure uninterrupted power supply, especially domestic consumers. Replying to a query, Goyal said that a committee has been set up to go into the contentious issues between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh on power sharing.

"A committee has been constituted with representatives of both states. I am hoping to receive that report in 15 days.

Once that report is with me, we will take appropriate action to resolve any disputes. I think both states should work together in a spirit of cooperation and co-existence. I see no dichotomy in satisfying the power needs of both the states," he said.