Is Andhra Pradesh Becoming India’s Leading Clean Energy Hub?

Synopsis
Discover how Andhra Pradesh is positioning itself as India’s premier clean energy hub with a massive renewable energy complex set to launch in Anantapur. Minister Nara Lokesh highlights the state's commitment to sustainable growth and investor confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Andhra Pradesh is becoming a key player in India's clean energy sector.
- The Anantapur complex represents a Rs 22,000 crore investment.
- It will generate 1,800 MW of solar and 1 GW of wind energy.
- ReNew is re-entering the state after a pause.
- The project aligns with the state's goal of reaching 72 GW by 2029.
Amaravati, May 14 (NationPress) Andhra Pradesh is establishing itself as India's most appealing hub for clean energy investments, according to state Minister Nara Lokesh. This statement comes just before the inauguration of the nation’s largest single-site renewable energy complex in Anantapur.
The upcoming complex represents an investment of Rs 22,000 crore, aimed at generating 1,800 Megawatts of solar power, 1 Gigawatt of wind energy, and a 2000 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
This venture marks the first significant initiative under the Integrated Clean Energy (ICE) Policy, launched by the Andhra Pradesh government in October 2024, which provides structured incentives and expedited approvals for clean energy projects.
Lokesh, serving as the Minister for Information Technology, Electronics, and Communications, among other sectors, expressed that this project will be a pivotal moment for India's renewable energy landscape.
With this development, ReNew is set to make a comeback in Andhra Pradesh. Previously, it was the leading renewable energy investor in the state with an installed capacity of 777 MW before halting operations due to PPA cancellations by the prior administration.
The company's decision to return follows talks between Minister Lokesh and Sumant Sinha, Chairman & CEO of ReNew, during the World Economic Forum in Davos.
In the first phase of the project located in Bethapalle village within the Guntakal constituency, 587 MW of solar power, 250 MW of wind energy, and 415 MWh of BESS will be established, entailing an investment of Rs 7,000 crore.
"This project signifies Andhra Pradesh's resurgence as a national frontrunner in clean energy. We are not just building capacity, but also fostering credibility and enhancing global investor trust," he remarked.
The initiative aligns with Andhra Pradesh’s ambitious goal of achieving 72 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2029, as announced during RE Invest 2024.
Lokesh noted that in the past eight months, the state has seen a surge in clean energy investments from major corporations, including Tata Power (7,000 MW, Rs 49,000 crore), NTPC (Green Hydrogen, Rs 1.86 lakh crore), Vedanta's Serentica (10,000 MW, Rs 50,000 crore), Brookfield (8,000 MW, Rs 50,000 crore), and SAEL Industries (1,200 MW, Rs 6,000 crore).
The Anantapur renewable complex is set to not only bolster the grid's capacity but also demonstrate Andhra Pradesh's commitment to sustainable development, economic prosperity, and innovation-driven governance, Lokesh added.