Lokesh Hails ReNew Foundation, Says AP On Way to Become Silicon Coast of India
It has prioritised backward integration to secure inputs essential for the renewable energy sector
VIJAYAWADA: IT and Industries minister Nara Lokesh on Thursday hailed the ground-breaking for a 6.5 GW solar wafer and ingot manufacturing facility of ReNew Energy Global at Anakapalli, calling it a pivotal step toward transforming Andhra Pradesh into the “Silicon Coast of India.”
Taking to social media platform X post the Renew ceremony, Lokesh said the project underscores AP’s transition from being a hub of renewable energy to a centre for high-value manufacturing, particularly in critical components, such as wafers and ingots.
Highlighting India’s ambitious goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, Lokesh noted that despite rapid growth in installations, the solar manufacturing ecosystem had long remained dependent on imports, especially from China. He said the state government, under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, had identified this vulnerability early. It has prioritised backward integration to secure inputs essential for the renewable energy sector.
The minister emphasised that Andhra Pradesh’s broader industrial strategy focuses on building domestic capabilities across key sectors, such as electronics, semiconductors, and clean energy. For the purpose, the government is proactively engaging with global and domestic firms, offering policy clarity, expediting approvals, and offering incentives to attract investments in upstream manufacturing.
Referring to ReNew’s leadership under chairman and CEO Sumant Sinha, Lokesh described the company as a strategic partner in the state’s growth journey. He pointed out that the Anakapalli facility builds on ReNew’s existing footprint in Andhra Pradesh, including the company’s hybrid renewable energy projects.
The minister pointed to the growing cluster of advanced solar equipment manufacturers, such as Premier Energies, Websol, and Waaree choosing the state for their operations. This, he said, signals the emergence of a comprehensive ecosystem spanning modules, cells, wafers, and ingots.
“This is not just industrial growth — it is securing India’s energy future, reducing import dependence and generating high-quality employment,” Lokesh maintained.
Describing the Anakapalli project as a milestone, he asserted that Andhra Pradesh is steadily positioning itself as a global hub for manufacturing clean energy, while “ReNew-ing” the nation’s energy destiny.
