Lokesh Hails Tata Power Project as Vote of Confidence in AP

Vijayawada: Education minister Nara Lokesh on Tuesday described Tata Power’s decision to set up a mega ingot and wafer manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh as a strong “vote of confidence” in the state’s policy stability and investor-friendly ecosystem.

Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) would establish a greenfield 10gw ingot and wafer manufacturing unit in Nellore, with an investment of Rs.6,675 crore. This would be the largest ingot and wafer manufacturing facility in the country, significantly strengthening India’s solar and semiconductor supply chain.

The project has been cleared by the state investment promotion board (SIPB) chaired by chief minister Chandrababu Naidu. The unit would come up at the IFFCO Kisan Special Economic Zone, where the state government has allocated 200 acres — 120 acres for the initial phase and 80 acres for future expansion.

Ingots and wafers are critical inputs for solar cells, modules and semiconductor applications, aligning with the Centre’s push for domestic manufacturing and reduced import dependence in strategic sectors.

The project is expected to create around 1,000 direct jobs, besides substantial indirect employment during construction and through allied industries.

As part of its clean energy commitment, TPREL would also establish a 200mw captive green power plant to supply renewable energy to the facility.

Highlighting the state’s advantages, Lokesh said Andhra Pradesh’s plug-and-play industrial land, robust infrastructure, port-led connectivity and assured access to green power were key factors in attracting the landmark investment.

The project would deepen the solar manufacturing ecosystem in Nellore, which is rapidly emerging as a major renewable energy manufacturing hub.

This marks TPREL’s first manufacturing investment in Andhra Pradesh and reinforces the state’s growing stature as one of India’s most preferred destinations for large-scale, future-ready investments, officials said.