In an era marked by an urgent need for sustainable energy solutions, Telangana finds itself at the crossroads of opportunity and challenge. The recent expos in Hyderabad—the Dairy & Food Expo, India Green Energy Expo, and Green Vehicle Expo—brought critical issues like renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and green mobility to the forefront. With influential voices calling for mandatory solar installations on government and commercial buildings, the discussions at these expos hold promise for a brighter and greener future.
A Vision for Solar Leadership
The Telangana Solar Energy Association, represented by its President Ashok Kumar Goud and Vice President Rajesh Parakala, voiced a strong recommendation: solar panels must become a mandate for all government buildings in Telangana. This move, they argued, would set a powerful precedent, aligning the state with the Central Government’s PM Surya Ghar and PM-KUSUM schemes, which advocate for widespread solar adoption.
Ashok Kumar pointed out that Telangana once led the country in solar energy initiatives when its Solar Power Policy debuted in 2015. However, the state has since slipped from its leading position, lagging behind states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. To regain its stature, a renewed focus on solar infrastructure is imperative.
Solarization: The Path Ahead
Telangana has approximately 30,000 government schools, a vast untapped resource for solar energy adoption. By mandating solar panels in schools and new commercial buildings, the state can create a ripple effect, inspiring private sectors and households to follow suit. While the PM-KUSUM scheme has set an ambitious target to solarize one crore homes across India, Telangana’s current progress—just 3,500 solarized houses—shows there’s much ground to cover.
Rajesh Parakala emphasized that the state government needs to promote solar energy through subsidies and incentives. Encouragement at the policy level, coupled with public participation, could revive the solar industry in Telangana and place it back on the map as a pioneer in renewable energy.
Green Mobility Revolution
Parallel to the solar discourse, the Green Vehicle Expo introduced innovative solutions in electric mobility. Varcas-Ryoto Electrix unveiled a groundbreaking model aimed at electrifying the city with 25,000 affordable charging installations priced at just ₹11,000. This initiative empowers small businesses, from kirana shops to tyre puncture centers, to participate in building a green infrastructure, earning an estimated ₹5,000 monthly through charging services.
Varcas also offered EV scooters at an exclusive expo price of ₹24,500, making green mobility more accessible than ever. With an integrated app, E-Volt, the company aims to streamline charging operations, further incentivizing the adoption of electric vehicles.
Industry and Community Support
The expos were a collaborative effort, supported by the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI), and Telangana Solar Energy Association. DICCI’s president, Dasari Aruna, highlighted the importance of developing associated industries such as EV charging stations to complement the rapid growth in electric vehicle adoption.
The events also drew attention to the role of private players like Ryoto Electrix, which sponsored three e-scooters for a lucky draw over the three days of the expo. These initiatives not only promote awareness but also foster community engagement, essential for driving large-scale changes.
A Call to Action
The discussions at the expos underscore a pressing need for government intervention and community participation to address challenges in renewable energy and green mobility. Making solar installations mandatory for government and commercial buildings would set the tone for a sustainable future, while innovative models like those introduced by Varcas could transform urban landscapes.
Telangana has the resources, expertise, and a clear path laid out by policymakers and industry leaders. By embracing these solutions, the state can reclaim its position as a trailblazer in green energy, setting an example for the rest of the country.
The three-day expos are expected to attract over 15,000 visitors and feature 100 exhibitors, making them a significant platform for innovation and collaboration in the green energy sector. With discussions like these, Telangana could very well lead the way toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.
