From Our Correspondent
Pattikonda (Andhra Pradesh): Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd. (TPREL) will invest ₹5,350 crore to establish an 800 MW hybrid renewable energy project across Kurnool and Anantapur districts, marking one of the largest clean energy investments in Andhra Pradesh in recent months.
The project, for which Andhra Pradesh Minister for Education, IT and Electronics Nara Lokesh laid the foundation stone on Thursday at Hosur near Pattikonda in Kurnool district, comprises 400 MW of solar power at Pattikonda and 400 MW of wind power at Kanekal in Anantapur district.
Addressing the gathering, Lokesh said Andhra Pradesh has re-emerged as one of India’s most attractive investment destinations and is now becoming the first choice for global investors.
He said leading global private equity firms, including Brookfield, Blackstone, BlackRock, EQT and TPG, are investing in the state, while major Indian companies such as Tata Power, Suzlon, ReNew, Premier Energies, ACME and Waaree are expanding their presence.
Project to generate jobs and support farmers
According to the minister, the hybrid renewable energy project will create around 4,000 jobs during the construction phase. Spread over more than 3,400 acres, it is expected to provide stable lease income to over 1,100 farming families for nearly 30 years.
Lokesh described the investment as a vote of confidence in both the state’s industrial ecosystem and the government’s governance model.
Renewable energy capacity up 400%
Lokesh claimed Andhra Pradesh’s renewable energy capacity has increased by 400% in just one year.
He criticised the previous YSRCP government, alleging that the renewable energy sector had been left in disarray when the TDP-led NDA government assumed office in June 2024. According to him, no major renewable energy projects were launched during the previous five years, while the cancellation of power purchase agreements damaged investor confidence and discouraged international infrastructure and climate funds from investing in the state.
“Rebuilding investor confidence is not an overnight exercise, but we have restored credibility and demonstrated that Andhra Pradesh is once again a dependable destination for investments,” he said.
Vision for a clean energy hub
Highlighting the state’s Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024, Lokesh said the government has set a target of developing 160 GW of clean energy capacity.
He said Andhra Pradesh aims to build an integrated clean energy value chain covering solar modules, battery manufacturing, green hydrogen, green ammonia, transmission infrastructure, storage systems and port-led export facilities.
“Our goal is not only to produce clean energy but also to make Andhra Pradesh a global manufacturing hub for clean energy technologies,” he said.
‘Simple, Speed, Stability’
Lokesh said the government’s investment strategy is centred on “Simple, Speed, Stability.”
Recalling his meeting with Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran after the government assumed office in 2024, he said the industry leader had advised that faster project execution was more valuable to investors than incentives.
“Investors lose more because of delays than because of the absence of incentives,” Lokesh quoted Chandrasekaran as saying.
The minister said the government has therefore focused on reducing approval timelines and ensuring projects move quickly from groundbreaking to commissioning.
AP eyes global green fuel exports
Lokesh said Andhra Pradesh’s long coastline, abundant renewable energy resources and modern ports position it to become India’s gateway for exports of green hydrogen and green ammonia.
He expressed confidence that clean fuels produced in Andhra Pradesh would eventually be exported to Europe, Japan, South Korea and other international markets.
Invitation to Tata Power
The minister also invited Tata Power to collaborate with the proposed Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy Technologies, being established by the Andhra Pradesh government in partnership with IIT Tirupati and the University of New South Wales, Australia.
He said the centre would help develop engineers, researchers and entrepreneurs required for India’s growing clean energy sector.
Focus on industry-ready workforce
Emphasising the importance of skilled manpower, Lokesh said the government is connecting Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) directly with industries to ensure students acquire skills aligned with industry requirements.
He also highlighted the recently launched university at Sri City, which follows a “Learn, Earn and Graduate” model, enabling students to gain industrial experience while pursuing their education.
The event was attended by Tata Power CEO & Managing Director Praveer Sinha, Tata Power Renewable Energy CEO & Managing Director Sanjay Banga, Suzlon Vice Chairman Girish Tanti, Andhra Pradesh Minister for Heavy Industries T.G. Bharat, public representatives, district officials and senior executives from Tata Power and Suzlon.