Andhra Minister Lokesh inaugurates SAEL’s 600 MW solar projects in Kadapa

Andhra Pradesh IT 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.

Speaking after inaugurating the projects at T Konduru village, Lokesh described the occasion as more than just the launch of a renewable energy project.

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

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

He said the timely completion reflected the cooperation of local farmers and youth, adding 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 Pradesh'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 said the state was developing 22 dedicated growth clusters covering 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.

Energy Minister G Ravi Kumar said the government was 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 said the plant became operational in a record 11 months and would generate both power and employment opportunities.

The minister said the government aimed to generate 500 GW of power capacity and described N Chandrababu Naidu as the first leader in the country to introduce power sector reforms.

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 said substations were 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 Pradesh'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 Pradesh 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.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)