Andhra Pradesh Information Technology Minister Nara Lokesh laid the foundation stone for Tata Power and Suzlon's renewable energy projects with a combined investment of INR 5,750 crore at Pattikonda in Kurnool district. The projects include a 400 MW solar power plant at Pattikonda and a 400 MW wind power project at Kanekal in Anantapur district. 
The two projects are expected to generate nearly 4,000 jobs during the construction phase while providing long-term lease income to more than 1,100 farming families. The projects are part of Andhra Pradesh's efforts to expand renewable energy generation and strengthen its clean energy infrastructure. 
Speaking after the foundation stone ceremony, Lokesh said Andhra Pradesh has regained investor confidence since the NDA coalition government assumed office in 2024. He said the renewable energy sector had faced setbacks after power purchase agreements were cancelled and several projects came to a halt. According to him, the government has gradually restored confidence among investors, making the state a preferred destination for domestic and global investments. 
The minister said several global investment firms, including Brookfield, Blackstone, BlackRock, EQT and TPG, along with companies such as Tata Power, Suzlon, ReNew, Premier Energies, ACME and Waaree, are investing in or expanding their presence in Andhra Pradesh. He said this reflects growing confidence in the state's industrial and renewable energy policies. 
Lokesh highlighted that the Integrated Clean Energy Policy-2024 aims to create a complete clean energy ecosystem covering solar modules and cells, battery manufacturing, green hydrogen, green ammonia, transmission infrastructure, ports, energy storage systems and advanced manufacturing. The policy has set a target of achieving 160 GW of clean energy capacity over the coming years. 
He said the Tata Power project represents growing investor confidence in Andhra Pradesh and is expected to strengthen the state's renewable energy ecosystem while supporting the increasing electricity demand of utilities, distribution companies (DISCOMs), commercial establishments and industrial consumers. 
The minister also noted that Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran had advised the state government to prioritise speed over incentives while approving industrial investments. Based on this suggestion, the government adopted the principles of "Simple, Speed and Stability" to improve the investment approval process. 
Highlighting Andhra Pradesh's geographical advantages, Lokesh said the state's long coastline, renewable energy resources and modern ports position it well to become a major exporter of green hydrogen, green ammonia and other clean energy products. He expressed confidence that clean energy products manufactured in Andhra Pradesh could eventually be exported to markets including Europe, Japan and South Korea. 
As part of its long-term skill development strategy, the minister invited Tata Power to collaborate with the proposed Centre of Excellence being developed jointly by the Andhra Pradesh government, IIT Tirupati and the University of New South Wales, Australia. He said the centre is expected to help develop engineers, researchers, technologists and entrepreneurs for India's growing clean energy sector. 
Lokesh also appreciated Suzlon for supporting the wind power project and manufacturing wind turbines at its Anantapur facility. He further acknowledged the company's efforts to establish skill development centres aimed at training young people in wind turbine manufacturing, installation and maintenance. 
Reiterating the state's focus on industrial growth, Lokesh said the government remains committed to attracting investments while encouraging young people to acquire industry-relevant skills. He added that Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) are being linked with industries under the "Learn-Earn-Graduate" model to ensure students complete their education with practical work experience and better employment opportunities. 
The minister said the government, industries, farmers and local communities are working together to build a stronger clean energy ecosystem based on partnership and trust. He also reiterated Andhra Pradesh's ambition to emerge as a leading clean energy hub by leveraging its natural resources and industrial infrastructure. 
He further stated that the state aims to become the "Saudi Arabia of clean energy" by developing a comprehensive ecosystem centred on green hydrogen, green ammonia and other green molecules. According to Lokesh, energy security is becoming increasingly important globally, and India should work towards becoming energy self-sufficient under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision. He added that Andhra Pradesh has the potential to play a major role in achieving this objective. 
Lokesh also said that state-run NTPC is setting up a green molecules plant in Andhra Pradesh after its foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adding that the project will further strengthen the state's clean energy ecosystem. 
The renewable energy sector has become one of Andhra Pradesh's major investment focus areas in recent years. Through its Integrated Clean Energy Policy-2024, the state is targeting investments across renewable power generation, manufacturing, green fuels and supporting infrastructure while aiming to establish itself as a key clean energy and green hydrogen destination in India. 
Source PTI