New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh Information Technology Minister Nara Lokesh laid the foundation stone for renewable energy projects of Tata Power and Suzlon on Thursday, entailing a combined investment of Rs 5,750 crore in Kurnool district.
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The 800 MW project comprises a 400 MW solar power plant at Pattikonda in Kurnool and a 400 MW wind power project at Kanekallu in Anantapur district. Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL) said it began work on the project the same day.
The government said the project would generate around 4,000 jobs during the construction phase and provide long-term lease income to more than 1,100 farming families. Tata Power described the roughly 4,000 figure as direct and indirect employment across the project's development, construction and operational phases.
The minister said the state had become the preferred destination for global investors after the NDA coalition government restored investor confidence.
"When we assumed office in 2024, the renewable energy sector was in complete disarray and investor confidence had eroded after power purchase agreements were cancelled and projects came to a standstill. We have steadily rebuilt that confidence, and today Andhra Pradesh has become the preferred destination for global investors," said Lokesh, addressing the gathering after laying the foundation stone.
He said global investment firms such as Brookfield, Blackstone, BlackRock, EQT and TPG, along with companies including Tata Power, Suzlon, ReNew, Premier Energies, ACME and Waaree, were investing or expanding operations in Andhra Pradesh.
Lokesh described the Tata Power project as a "symbol" of investor confidence in Andhra Pradesh and said it would strengthen the state's renewable energy ecosystem while meeting the growing power requirements of utilities, distribution companies (DISCOMs) and commercial and industrial consumers.
Lokesh said the government's Integrated Clean Energy Policy-2024 envisaged the creation of an end-to-end clean energy ecosystem — spanning solar modules and cells, batteries, green hydrogen, green ammonia, transmission infrastructure, ports, storage systems and advanced manufacturing — with a target of achieving 160 GW of clean energy capacity.
He said Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran had advised the government to focus on speed rather than incentives, prompting the state to adopt the principles of "Simple, Speed and Stability" in industrial approvals.
The minister said Andhra Pradesh, with "India's longest coastline," abundant renewable resources and modern ports, was well positioned to emerge as a global exporter of green hydrogen, green ammonia and other clean energy products. He expressed confidence that ships carrying clean energy produced in the state would soon be exported to Europe, Japan, South Korea and other international markets.
Inviting Tata Power to partner with the proposed Centre of Excellence being established jointly by the Andhra Pradesh government, IIT Tirupati and the University of New South Wales, Australia, Lokesh said the initiative would help produce engineers, researchers, technologists and entrepreneurs for India's clean energy sector.
He lauded Suzlon for supporting the wind energy project and manufacturing turbines at its Anantapur facility, and appreciated the company's efforts to establish skill development centres to train youth in wind turbine manufacturing and maintenance.
Lokesh reiterated the government's commitment to bringing industries to the region, saying attracting investments was the government's responsibility while acquiring skills and working hard was the responsibility of the youth. He said the government was linking Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) with industries and promoting the "Learn-Earn-Graduate" model to prepare students according to industry requirements, ensuring they graduate with both qualifications and practical work experience.
He said the government, industry, farmers and people were together writing a new chapter based on clean energy, mutual trust and partnership, and called for building an Andhra Pradesh that provides direction to India and an India that leads the world in the clean energy sector.
Tata Power Renewable Energy said the project had secured 800 MW Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) connectivity at the Ananthapuram II and Kurnool-4 CTUIL substations, enabling evacuation of renewable power through the national transmission network.
The company said the project, being implemented under the Andhra Pradesh Integrated Clean Energy (ICE) Policy, would require a total area of 3,462 acres, including 2,700 acres for solar installation and 760 acres for wind development.
"The groundbreaking of 800 MW renewable energy project in Andhra Pradesh marks a significant step in Tata Power's mission to accelerate India's clean energy transition. By integrating 400 MW of solar and 400 MW of wind capacity, the project will contribute to the development of reliable and round-the-clock renewable power, supporting the nation's growing energy needs while advancing sustainability goals," said Praveer Sinha, CEO and MD, Tata Power.
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Girish Tanti, co-founder of Suzlon Group, said nearly 38 percent of the company's installed wind energy capacity was in Andhra Pradesh. On the partnership with Tata Power, he said, "Together, we have crossed the 1 GW milestone, reflecting our shared commitment to accelerating India's clean energy transition and supporting Andhra Pradesh's vision of an energy-secure future."