Solar power to BLDC fans: TTD to transform Tirumala, Tirupati into eco-friendly pilgrim center

Vijayawada, December 17: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has decided to adopt energy-efficient technologies to transform itself into an eco-friendly pilgrim center in Andhra Pradesh.

Bureau of Energy Efficiency has given its consent to AP State Energy Conservation Mission (APSECM) for implementing energy efficiency measures at TTD and its allied temples and choultries.

Of the total energy consumption of 68 million units per annum in TTD, around 30% of it is being met from solar and wind power. The remaining 435 lakh units for TTD are being supplied by Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Limited.

TTD spends around Rs.40 crore on electricity bills every year. It now plans to reduce the energy expenditure by Rs 4 to 5 crore by implementing energy conservation and efficiency measures.

TTD has decided to replace 5,000 ordinary fans with super-efficient BLDC (brushless direct current) fans in the first phase at the cost of Rs 1.35 crore. It is estimated to save 0.88 million units per annum. It will also save Rs. 62 lakh during a payback period of 26 months.

TTD is planning to go for 2.2 MW rooftop solar systems in all colleges and schools in Tirupati and TTD buildings in Tirumala with the support of the New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NREDCAP). As part of energy efficiency and environmental protection measures, TTD is also promoting electric mobility in Tirumala and Tirupati.

TTD executive officer K Jawahar Reddy said TTD has taken every measure to ensure the best services to all its devotees.

Energy secretary Srikant Nagulapalli said energy efficiency is equally important for a sustainable future. Andhra Pradesh is considered as one of the best states in the promotion of renewable energy, innovative energy-efficient technologies, and best practices, he added