Andhra boosts clean energy drive with inauguration of 600 MW SAEL solar projects

Andhra Pradesh has marked a major renewable energy milestone with the inauguration of SAEL Industries Limited's 600 MW solar power projects in Kadapa district.

Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh on Friday inaugurated SAEL Industries Limited's 600 MW solar power projects in Kadapa district, marking one of the state's major renewable energy milestones.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said Andhra Pradesh is emerging as a major clean energy destination where the ''Speed of Doing Business'' is matched by the ''Speed of Execution.''.

He described the commissioning of SAEL's 600 MW solar project as a reflection of the state's focus on rapid industrial execution and sustainable growth.

Speaking after inaugurating the projects at T Konduru village, the state IT minister said the occasion represented more than just the launch of a renewable energy project.

The SAEL Solar MHP1 and SAEL Solar MHP2 projects were completed in a record 11 months with an investment of nearly Rs 3,000 crore.

The commissioning of these projects reflects Andhra's commitment to fast-paced industrial growth and clean energy expansion, Lokesh said.

He added that the timely completion reflected the cooperation of local farmers and youth, and that the project's success had drawn attention to Jammalamadugu from across the state.

According to the minister, apart from establishing a mega solar park in the region, the government also facilitated investments from companies and projects, including those of the Adani Group, Chinta Green, and Genco-NTPC pumped storage initiatives.

Lokesh said Andhra's growth had accelerated with the support of the NDA government, describing the current administration as a ''double-engine government'' driving rapid development across the state.

He added that the state is developing 22 dedicated growth clusters across sectors such as electronics, green energy, software, drones, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing.

According to Lokesh, modern economies are built through ecosystems, innovation, and specialisation, and Andhra Pradesh is working with the Centre to create globally competitive industrial ecosystems.

He said SAEL's success was largely due to its ability to work closely with farmers, villagers, labourers, engineers, district officials, and local communities.

The minister also noted that around 760 farmers and their families had benefited through long-term land lease agreements linked to the project.

Referring to the inauguration of SAEL Industries Limited's 600 MW solar project in Rayalaseema, the CM said the project reflects the state's focus on rapid execution and sustainable development.

''We dedicated SAEL's 600 MW solar project in Rayalaseema to the people of Andhra Pradesh,'' Naidu said in a post on X.

Built with an investment of Rs 3,000 crore and completed in a record 11 months, the project reinforces Andhra Pradesh's position in India's clean energy transition, he added.

Naidu complimented the SAEL India team for completing the project in record time and said the investment would generate employment, support development, and create new opportunities for local communities.

Energy Minister G Ravi Kumar said the government is implementing reforms and renewable energy projects to achieve its target of creating 20 lakh jobs.

Kumar said the project was established under the state's Integrated Clean Energy (ICE) Policy.

He added that the plant became operational in a record 11 months and would generate both power and employment opportunities.

Criticising the erstwhile YSRCP government, Kumar alleged that electricity charges had been increased nine times, while claiming that tariffs had not been increased under the coalition government.

He said the state had reduced the burden through a 13-paise true-down adjustment and aimed to reduce electricity charges by Re 1 per unit over the next three years.

The minister added that substations are being developed across Andhra Pradesh to ensure an uninterrupted power supply.

Spread across more than 2,400 acres, the integrated solar facility is expected to reinforce Andhra's standing as an emerging destination for renewable energy investments.

The two 300 MW projects, operated by SAEL Solar MHP1 Private Limited and SAEL Solar MHP2 Private Limited, achieved commercial operations earlier this year.

MHP1 commenced operations on January 30, while MHP2 commenced operations on March 13.

The projects utilise more than 12 lakh TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) bifacial solar modules, most of which were assembled at SAEL's facilities in Punjab and Rajasthan.

Electricity generated from the projects will be supplied to the national grid under a 25-year power purchase agreement with the Solar Energy Corporation of India.

The projects are expected to reduce nearly 11 lakh tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually while contributing to regional economic growth.

They are also expected to create sustained income opportunities for farmers through land lease arrangements extending up to 25 years.

Developed under SAEL's integrated engineering, procurement, construction, and operations framework, the projects were supported by the Andhra Pradesh government and local authorities in facilitating approvals, land access, and grid connectivity.

The inauguration comes as Andhra accelerates the implementation of its Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024, under which the state aims to attract investments worth Rs 10 lakh crore across renewable energy, storage, green hydrogen, transmission, and manufacturing.

The company is also exploring further opportunities in Andhra Pradesh in renewable energy and agricultural waste-to-energy initiatives.