Not even ₹15, the agreement was signed at ₹17.50 per unit. At that time, the thermal power generation rate was only ₹2. All his advisors and everyone else warned him, saying 'Sir, the thermal power rate is ₹2 and you're signing solar power at ₹17? Investigation agencies will come after you. Please don't do this.' Despite all the fear they tried to create, he bravely went ahead and signed that agreement. That was the foundation stone. Because of that visionary leader's courage, today India has 150,000 megawatts of solar power. That's the foundation he laid.
So first, our current renewable capacity stands at 150,000 megawatts. We need to take this to 500 gigawatts by 2030. We are already in 2024, so we've covered half the journey. In the next five and a half years, we must add 500 gigawatts of renewable capacity. This is the greatest challenge because we don't have the three key materials needed for renewable power generation domestically. We have to import them, process them, and then install 500,000 megawatts of power, which requires huge amounts of land. Where will we get that land? All of these are enormous challenges. If we fail, we'll miss our target of becoming a developed country.
Science and technology play a very important role here. Solar power that once cost ₹15, ₹17 per unit today costs ₹2.70. In some cases it has gone as low as ₹1.99 per unit. In Gujarat, a solar power tender was awarded at ₹1.99 per unit. So bringing it from the ₹17 stage to where we are today required tremendous research and development. Now we must take it even further.
Since independence, we have added only about 20,000 megawatts of capacity. But in the next five years, we need to add three times that amount. That is the main challenge. Another important challenge is that solar power and wind power cannot completely replace coal-based power. Three or four years ago, the government thought we could develop solar and wind power and phase out all coal and lignite-based power stations. But that turned out not to be possible because our per capita consumption needs to increase tenfold. If we impose such conditions, we won't reach that goal. Our development comes first, and that is why the main target now is to get 50% of our power from renewables by 2030, and 75% by 2047.
But as you know, renewables are not continuous in nature. Solar power is available mainly from morning 8 AM to evening 5 PM. What do we do the rest of the time? Wind power is unpredictable — it can come and go without warning. In Gujarat, wind power was once at 8,000 megawatts and suddenly dropped to zero within half an hour. This doesn't work for grid stability. Therefore, when we add renewable capacity, we must inevitably develop storage systems. The Honorable Prime Minister's vision document has been followed by NLC India from the beginning — we have always believed in continuing thermal power capacity while also adding renewable capacity, gradually reducing the proportion. You cannot simply remove thermal power plants and install renewable power plants — that is not possible.
So regarding battery storage systems — this must be developed at huge capacity in the next four to five years. This is a very important challenge. The recent Union Budget has brought encouraging policies for pump storage and battery storage systems. We must develop these in the next four to five years. If we don't, the consequences will be serious — we install 500 megawatts of solar renewable capacity, generation starts at 8 AM, and by evening it drops to zero. Where do we get the remaining power? That's why developing pump storage and battery storage systems and making them cost-effective is extremely important.
In this direction, NLC India was among the first in the country — four years ago in the Andaman Islands — to establish a solar power plant with a battery storage system. It's still running well. At that time, Andaman was completely dependent on diesel power generation. Tourists visiting Andaman would smell diesel everywhere because power was generated from diesel. But after we installed our system, now you get continuous solar power with battery storage when you visit. However, the main challenge is the high cost. Solar alone costs about ₹2.70, but when you add storage for 24-hour power, the cost goes up to ₹8 or ₹9 per unit.
So now the important challenge for scientists is how to make storage systems affordable. How can we bring the cost from ₹7-8 down to ₹3 or even ₹3.50? This is the greatest challenge for our engineering and scientific fraternity. We have done many activities in this direction. NLC India Limited was the first company in India to add 1 gigawatt of renewable capacity. We are taking many pioneering steps in the renewable and green energy sectors, including developing pump storage systems. As I mentioned, for 500 gigawatts of renewable capacity, we need huge amounts of land. We cannot put solar plants on cultivated land. So we have started installing solar power plants on mine-reclaimed land for the first time in the country.
Through all these steps, we are hopeful that we can finally add 500 gigawatts of renewable capacity by 2030, and by 2047 take our per capita consumption above 10,000 and become a developed country. With all these hopes, I want to say — I studied engineering at Bapatla Engineering College, so I know very well about Nayudamma's success story. I have been following it for a long time. When I was in my second year of engineering, it was a black day in my life. On June 23, 1985, the sudden news came, and I felt deeply saddened because I considered him an idol.
Whether it was Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya or our Nayudamma, these great scientists never sat in laboratories just to publish research papers and gain fame. Their thinking was always about how their inventions could reach the people. The leather industry — once nobody wanted to go near it. The smell would spread for 20 kilometers. Nobody would even set up a facility nearby. But from that stage, Nayudamma created innovations and creativity that transformed waste materials into purposeful items — waste to wealth — and converted the entire industry into a respectable one. That credit belongs to Nayudamma alone.
Receiving the Nayudamma memorial award this year, I consider it my great fortune. I once again thank all the committee members. The reason all this has come about is related to the environment — the emissions from petrol and such fuels. I suggest we could take a full session on this subject to make it more simplified and understandable for everyone.
The real catalyst for the Technology Foundation was Pawan Kumar Elavarthi. About five or six years ago, he came to me through someone I don't even remember. He mentioned about this award from the Technology Foundation. Regarding the Regional Science Center being established in Rajahmundry by the central and state governments together — if we could name it after our Nayudamma, it would at least connect the scientific community. That is a no-cost initiative, so I believe we should consider it.
However, our financial situation is quite dire, as you all understand. I also have one more request — if any government land on lease is available, we could use it for our center. We can't afford to buy land, so even leased land would work. It will remain with the government anyway, so there's no risk. It would benefit this area, and whoever comes after us will continue the work. I would request the session chair to convey this in writing to the relevant authorities.
The session chair is right — we should all be proud. A Telugu son has made such a long journey. He is a real reflection of our community — how we all come from humble backgrounds, working hard from rural areas, studying with determination and reaching great heights. I wholeheartedly welcome Prasanna Kumar garu and his family members to Tenali. Similarly, Swarna garu has beautifully explained the many programs we need to undertake in the future, the central government's guidelines, and how Nayudamma's legacy is being sustained through his efforts. We warmly welcome him and thank him so much.
Of course, about Kotta Subrahmanyam — you all know him. Whenever there is any program in this region, he is always ahead of everyone in ensuring it brings a good name to the area, whether through sponsorships or other support. I appreciate his support. When it comes to organizing an annual event like this foundation's program, there are many difficulties behind it — political challenges, gathering people, and ensuring the audience comes. But all of you attending this, making the Nayudamma awards function in Tenali a success — this is the fourth time I have attended — is a great achievement.
The legacy that Tenali has — generally we talk about dreams, literature, and artists. But it is because of Nayudamma that the scientific community has a connection with Tenali. That is truly a remarkable asset. I remember well when Sam Pitroda had agreed to attend, Vishnumurthy garu came to me saying there was a small problem. On that day, Sam Pitroda had one condition — he couldn't travel by road to Tenali and needed a helicopter. He was very busy. So we went to Rosaiah garu. Rosaiah garu said it wasn't his decision — the Chief Minister would have to approve it. How could he provide a helicopter? We thought maybe the Finance Minister could help. So we went to Rosaiah garu, and he said let's all go meet Rajasekhara Reddy garu together.
When we explained, Sam Pitroda had personally requested because of his deep connection with Nayudamma. Rajasekhara Reddy garu agreed on one condition — Rosaiah garu must also travel in that helicopter, and the state government would bear the expense. So that event happened that way. The benefit I got from that was that I was close to Professor Raj Reddy of Stanford University. In the legislative assembly, I had proposed digitalization and paperless governance back in 2006, but there was no support from the government. Technology was not widely used then, and the senior officials in government didn't easily accept it. I had proposed giving every legislator a laptop, and that file had been with Rosaiah garu for about three months. I used that platform that day with Sam Pitroda.
I mention this incident because it shows how much technology has progressed. Our last cabinet meeting was completely paperless — we all used only iPads and laptops. That is how much a leadership can make a difference, how much the scientific community can make a difference, and how we can use technology to improve our lives. It's a classic example.
As Prasanna Kumar garu explained today about renewable energy — wind power came and went, then we moved to solar. When we were thinking about what comes next, our state's Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu garu has been talking about green hydrogen for almost a year. For a long time, I didn't fully understand it. But with his vision, he wants to transform Andhra Pradesh into a green hydrogen state — to bring investments here through niche marketing for this region. The state government has already been developing the policy framework for the past two months. So from solar, we have progressed to green hydrogen. In renewable energy sources also, we will inevitably have to depend on commercial energy solutions in many cases.
NLC Corporation and Coal Corporation mining — many people say these are environmental issues. But for instance, I remember clearly in California, when lithium batteries started being used for electric cars, California quickly passed a rule that by 2030 every vehicle must be electric. Then they did the research — for California to become non-polluting with only electric vehicles by 2030, how many batteries would be needed, how many industries would have to come, and how much pollution that would cause. They concluded it was better not to push that change. But it was too late — investments had already come, companies had come and set up. These ideas work only when the scientific community is connected with those in power.
Narendra Modi garu on that day proposed new changes in solar generation. As Subrahmanyam garu just reminded us, for the first time in the country, solar panels were installed on rivers and canals to generate solar energy in Gujarat. It's a role model. From there, we brought solar pump sets for farmers — small one-horsepower motors — and provided them through subsidies so farmers wouldn't face difficulties. But things are moving very fast now. When we think about using technology, we must think about the next generation — it's not just about the next five or ten years, but about what changes we can bring for future generations.
People are our partners. Tenali has a special quality — not just because of its geographical location. Nayudamma was born near Tenali, and that bond is more than enough. We must carry that legacy forward. His contribution should always be remembered. Many school children are here today, and we should remain an inspiration for them. I truly appreciate the programs this foundation conducts. Every year we identify a most esteemed person, invite them here, honor them, and remind the country and our region of Nayudamma's inspiration. It is our collective responsibility.
On this occasion, I can sincerely say — I will always continue to support any work the foundation does, whether financial or any other support from the government side. I will lead from the front and try my best. About skill development — many are talking about it and proposals keep coming. Recently, when I discussed how to utilize our VSR College, the idea emerged that we should bring a skill development center to this region. It should be an incubation center because these days, just getting a degree doesn't guarantee employment. Along with degrees, we need to develop their thinking capacity. The government should provide special financial assistance for this.
My desire and wish is this — Prasanna Kumar garu mentioned 2047. So by this month end, we are preparing a 2047 vision document for the Tenali constituency. In that, we will include infrastructure facilities, programs, and many aspects useful to the people. With all your cooperation, your initiative, and your suggestions, we can surely create a great skill development center in Nayudamma's spirit. Specifically, if possible, we should think about chemical technology, leather technology, or other scientific opportunities. I will definitely work to bring the necessary funds from the government for establishing such a center.
This 2047 document — the state government plans to create a blueprint for each district. This will help us identify local talent. The specialties of Tenali, the many opportunities here — if we all use them and prepare systematically, in the coming days we can definitely make this an even more extraordinary region. I have that commitment.
For the four-lane road from Tenali to Mangalagiri, I had already announced a plan earlier, and we will definitely pursue it to completion. I have often said we must provide all possible assistance to this area. Many people from our families are working brilliantly in other countries. Especially NRIs from Tenali — in America and Europe, they lead many companies and have made great names in technology. They must come back with their ideas and thoughts. Even if they can't come physically, they should share their thoughts on how to improve our region.
Think about how Nayudamma made his journey — from a small village here, he worked hard and reached that level. Today the entire scientific community knows about his thinking, his approach, and his work. He didn't just transform the leather industry — he brought a scientific movement to our country. In those days when we had great patriots who sacrificed their lives in the freedom movement, even at such a young age, this man from Marmuru village rose to that level. That is truly remarkable. We should always take that as an inspiration and move forward.
At the same time, I request all of you — not through parties or individuals. We have so many doctors, lawyers, academicians who have brought fame to this region. Once upon a time, Tenali was an address we could proudly claim. But to transform it this way, we absolutely must create a plan. I need everyone's cooperation because planning requires contribution from every section of society. All of us should come together and develop a beautiful living Tenali for us in the future. It's not just about physical development — we need to enhance intellectual capacities and provide great opportunities for children.
When we bring awards like this, it definitely inspires the young. Many school children are here. So my request to the foundation is — if you need any financial support, we are all here, many prominent people are here, and I will also be one of them to always support you. What I request is that from next year, on the same day, you also identify a young innovator and present a young innovator award alongside. This is all about the next generation — about the future of India. I request the entire committee to think along these lines, and we will always be there to support you in this journey.
Once again, I sincerely thank Prasanna Kumar garu. I am proud that a Telugu son has reached this level and, staying so simple and humble, has come to our region. Not just coming here, but sitting with all of us and sharing his journey — in his 35-year-long career, how he built it up to reach this level. We must take it as an inspiration. In the coming days, I request your support for Andhra Pradesh and the people of the Telugu states. We look forward to your support for our continued development. In taking the country forward, we have never lagged behind, because this region's sacrifice during the freedom struggle — you all know about it. Let us carry that spirit forward and work together for our India's future.
I apologize for being two minutes late. Let us continue this program wholeheartedly — not just this meeting, not just this award — but in a way that brings a good name to this region. I request all of you to participate wholeheartedly. Thank you.
Namaskaram. Thank you. It is a great happiness to see such a future-oriented and inspiring journey with many lessons. Hello.
