Visakhapatnam, November 15:
Andhra Pradesh took a major step towards strengthening its energy security and modernising its power systems by signing a crucial MoU with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to establish the Center for Energy Cyber Resilience (CECRC). The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu during Day 2 of the CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said that cyber protection in the energy sector has become an urgent necessity. He stressed the need for modern, technology-driven systems that ensure reliable, low-cost, and efficient power supply to the public. He said the state is focusing on building strong cyber defence mechanisms as energy systems become increasingly digital.
The Chief Minister also highlighted that the global shift toward green energy is accelerating and AP has set an ambitious target of producing 160 GW of green power. He said the government aims to generate and supply electricity at the lowest possible cost, using advanced technologies like AI to reduce distribution losses and transmission expenses.
He noted that distributed power generation — producing electricity closer to consumption points — will become an important strategy in the coming days. AP is also working to expand renewable energy projects, including the rapid rollout of rooftop solar under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana.
IT and Energy Minister Nara Lokesh said AP is progressing rapidly under the Chief Minister’s leadership. He recalled that the idea of bringing a 6 GW capacity data centre to Visakhapatnam has now become a reality. He explained that supplying power to large data centres is a challenge, and keeping electricity affordable is crucial for the digital economy. Lokesh said that CECRC will play a key role in protecting power infrastructure from cyber threats. He added that whenever the Chief Minister plans a major initiative, he ensures its immediate implementation, and ministers and officials are working together to make AP a hub for advanced technologies. He invited more industries to join the state’s growth journey.
Energy Minister G. Ravikumar said CECRC is being set up not only for technology enhancement but also to ensure the safety of AP’s expanding power systems. He noted that major investments are flowing into the green energy sector as the state moves towards the 160 GW renewable energy goal. He emphasised that cyber security has become essential with the increasing dependence on modern energy systems.
WEF Managing Director Jeremy Jurgens pointed out that the security of energy systems is one of the most critical challenges during the global AI transition. He appreciated AP’s proactive measures in ensuring cyber safety and energy resilience. He said strong protection systems are vital for economic and social self-reliance, and the new center will help AP lead in this direction.
Chief Secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad also participated in the programme.