In just about three months after Andhra Pradesh Minister of Energy Kala Venkat Rao took charge, uncertainty looms over the plants he aspired to focus on taking the oath. The Minister aspired to develop Srikakulam district and wanted to get going with proposed Kovvada atomic power plant and Sumitomo thermal power project in Narasannapeta Mandal.

As per the reports the coal-fired power plant in collaboration with Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation in Polaki Mandal has been deferred. The 4000MW ultra supercritical thermal power project will be revived only if the electricity demand increases in the power surplus state. The plant which was supposed to be built with 2400MW was revived to 4000MW after Chandrababu Naidu came to power. The Japanese officials found Polanki in Narsannapeta Mandal suitable to set up the plant, after the TDP government signed the MoU with Sumitomo Corporation.

Principal secretary to state government Ajay Jain informed TOI, “We have temporarily deferred AP Genco’s proposal to set up a coal-fired power plant in Srikakulam as there is no demand for power. Currently, we have surplus power. We will consider the proposal when the power demand goes up”

Likewise, it may be recalled that the week Kala was blessed with the Cabinet berth, Westinghouse filed bankruptcy. Consequently, Kovvada plant will apparently gain momentum only in 2018.

Land acquisition has also been a significant hurdle for both projects. The Etcherla MLA evidently has to shift his focus from Kovvada and Sumitomo units and find other means for the development of Srikakulam district.