₹5,750-Crore Tata Project Signals Andhra Pradesh's Renewable Energy Ambition

Andhra Pradesh marked a major milestone in its clean energy journey on Thursday with Minister for Education, IT and Electronics Nara Lokesh laying the foundation stone for Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited's (TPREL) ₹5,750-crore hybrid renewable energy project near Hosur in Kurnool district. The 800 MW project, spread across Kurnool and Anantapur districts, is expected to significantly boost the state's renewable energy capacity while creating jobs, supporting farmers and reinforcing Andhra Pradesh's ambition of becoming a global clean energy hub.

Addressing the gathering, Lokesh said the government is working to transform Andhra Pradesh into a preferred destination for global investments through transparent governance, policy stability and speedy clearances. He said investor confidence in the state's renewable energy sector has improved considerably due to the present government's industry-friendly approach.

The hybrid project will comprise 400 MW of solar power at Pattikonda in Kurnool district and 400 MW of wind power at Kanekal in Anantapur district. The project is expected to generate employment for nearly 4,000 people during construction while providing long-term lease income to over 1,100 farmer families across more than 3,400 acres.

Lokesh alleged that the renewable energy sector had suffered setbacks during the previous administration after power purchase agreements were cancelled, affecting investor confidence. He said the current government has revived the sector, resulting in a 400 per cent increase in renewable energy capacity within a year and renewed investments from global firms such as Brookfield, Blackstone, BlackRock, EQT and TPG, besides Indian companies including Tata Power, Suzlon, ReNew, Premier Energies, ACME and Waaree.

He said the project supports the state's Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024, which targets 160 GW of clean energy capacity through investments in solar, wind, battery storage, green hydrogen and green ammonia. He expressed confidence that Andhra Pradesh's long coastline and port infrastructure would enable the state to emerge as a major exporter of clean fuels to Europe, Japan and South Korea.

Emphasising employment, Lokesh said bringing industries to the state is the government's responsibility, while acquiring industry-ready skills is the responsibility of the youth. He said every Industrial Training Institute (ITI) is being linked with industries to equip students with practical skills. He also invited Tata Power to partner with the proposed Centre of Excellence, being set up jointly by the Andhra Pradesh Government, IIT Tirupati and the University of New South Wales, Australia, to strengthen renewable energy research and skill development.

The event was attended by Tata Power CEO & MD Praveer Sinha, TPREL CEO & MD Sanjay Banga, Suzlon Vice Chairman Girish Tanti, Industries Minister T.G. Bharath and other senior officials.