ANANTAPUR: Andhra Pradesh marked a significant step toward a sustainable future with the groundbreaking ceremony of a Rs 22,000 crore, 4.8-gigawatt hybrid renewable energy project by ReNew Power in Bethapalli village, Guntakallu constituency, Anantapur district.
Minister for Education, IT, and Electronics, Nara Lokesh, laid the foundation stone on Friday and hailed the project as a cornerstone of India’s clean energy revolution, signalling the return of industries that had previously left the state.
Addressing the gathering, Lokesh hailed the project as a testament to bold decision-making and sustainable progress. “This is not just an industry, it’s a movement that will power the grid, ignite the aspirations of unemployed youth, and pave the way for a brighter future,” he said. He underscored the state’s abundant sunlight and clean air, advocating a shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy and dismissing the need to seek solutions beyond Earth.
The project aligns with Andhra Pradesh’s Integrated Clean Energy (ICE) Policy, launched in October 2024 under Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s visionary leadership. Lokesh described the policy as a blueprint for India’s green revolution, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a trendsetter.
He highlighted the return of ReNew Power, a major investor before 2019, noting, “Six years later, ReNew has returned stronger, reflecting confidence in our governance.”
State Power Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar reinforced this, stating, “Companies that fled during the previous government are now returning under this people’s government, drawn by our investor-friendly policies.”
ReNew to invest Rs 7,000 crore in first phase, big boost to the local economy
ReNew Power’s project, to be developed in phases, includes 1,800 MW of solar, 1 GW of wind, and 2,000 MW of battery storage capacity. The first phase, with Rs 7,000 crore investment, will deliver 587 MW solar, 250 MW wind, and 415 MW battery storage units. The initiative is expected to generate 10,000 jobs, boosting the local economy and creating opportunities for youth and farmers.
ReNew Power Chairman and CEO Sumanth Sinha praised the state’s investor-friendly policies and robust leadership. “Andhra Pradesh’s transmission connectivity and abundant solar and wind resources make it a clean energy hub. We are proud to contribute to India’s renewable energy goals,” he said, noting that the project is among India’s largest integrated energy complexes.
The event underscored Andhra Pradesh’s resurgence in renewable energy after a five-year hiatus. Lokesh highlighted investments from major firms, including Tata Power (7,000 MW, Rs 49,000 crore), NTPC Green Hydrogen (Rs 1.86 lakh crore), Vedanta Serentica (10,000 MW, Rs 50,000 crore), SAEL Industries (1,200 MW, Rs 6,000 crore), and Brookfield (8,000 MW, Rs 50,000 crore), reflecting trust in the state’s governance. These commitments align with the state’s goal of achieving 72 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2029.
Ravi Kumar criticized the previous government for failing to add even a single megawatt of power capacity, crediting Naidu for revitalizing the sector. He urged ReNew Power to expedite construction to maximize job creation.
Lokesh announced plans for a High Court bench in Kurnool, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to attend its inauguration. He reiterated the state’s commitment to creating 20 lakh jobs over five years.
MLA Gummanur Jayaram emphasised benefits for farmers, who will receive up to Rs 35,000 per acre as lease payments, alongside job opportunities. The complex, spanning 2,000 acres, may expand to 5,000 acres, further boosting economic prospects. Attended by ReNew Power COO Balaram Mehta, government officials, and local leaders, the ceremony highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s ambition to lead India’s clean energy transition while fostering inclusive growth.