ReNew Energy Global has started working on a 6.5 GW solar ingot & wafer manufacturing plant in Andhra Pradesh as an effort to build robust domestic supply chain for solar products. The laying of the foundation stone was done by N Chandrababu Naidu at Rambilli, Anakapalli district.
Solar plant for backward integration and job creation:
This project would involve an investment of ₹4,200 crore and would be ready to start production in the next 24 months. This will be one of the earliest greenfield projects in India dedicated for solar ingot and wafer manufacturing.
It would create more than 2,100 direct & indirect jobs. Further, this plant would be a component of the company’s overall investment plan worth ₹82,000 crore already announced for development in the state.
Local manufacturing of solar ingots & wafers is aimed to facilitate backward integration and reduced import dependency for solar manufacturing.
Andhra Pradesh supports the manufacturing of clean energy:
The state administration has contextualized the project as part of their broader strategy for increasing capacity in renewable energy and industrialization. Andhra Pradesh aims to build an energy capacity of 160 GW of clean energy, while plans have already been made for about 90 GW.
The State Chief Minister discussed the ongoing strategies for bringing in investments for energy and infrastructure development along with improving ease of doing business and speeding up project clearances. This will also involve increasing electric mobility as well as installing rooftop solar.
The move by ReNew towards manufacturing is in line with recent policies like that of extending the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers scheme to cover wafers and ingots from 2028.
Expanding operations through generations and manufacturing:
At present, ReNew operates a total capacity of 6.5 GW for the manufacture of solar modules, while the capacity of solar cells will become the same by December 2026. In addition, it is working on establishing a hybrid renewable energy park in Anantapur district, which involves a cost of around ₹22,000 crore.
Since 2015, ReNew has been present in Andhra Pradesh through wind and solar assets. With this new plant, the firm seeks to integrate both generations and manufacturing operations.
