In a significant boost to India’s clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing ambitions, Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd. (TPREL) has announced plans to establish a greenfield 10 GW ingot and wafer manufacturing facility in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. With a proposed investment of ₹6,675 crore, the project is set to become India’s largest integrated ingot and wafer manufacturing unit, marking a major milestone in the country’s journey toward energy self-reliance.
The facility will be developed at the IFFCO Kisan Special Economic Zone, where the Andhra Pradesh government has allotted 200 acres of land for the project. According to official details, the first phase of development will utilize 120 acres, while the remaining 80 acres have been reserved for future expansion, underscoring the project’s long-term strategic importance.
Strengthening India’s Solar and Semiconductor Supply Chain
Ingots and wafers form the foundational raw materials for solar cells, solar modules, and a range of semiconductor applications. At present, India relies heavily on imports for these critical components, making domestic manufacturing a key policy priority. The Tata Power facility is expected to significantly reduce this dependence, enhancing supply chain security and supporting India’s renewable energy targets.
The project aligns closely with the Central government’s broader push under initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, which aim to promote indigenous manufacturing of strategically important technologies. By localizing ingot and wafer production, the facility is expected to catalyse downstream investments in solar cell and module manufacturing.
Renewable Power Integration and Sustainability Focus
In line with its clean energy objectives, TPREL has also announced plans to set up a 200 MW captive green power plant to supply renewable electricity to the manufacturing facility. This move ensures that the unit operates with a low carbon footprint, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability and climate responsibility.
The integration of renewable power generation with advanced manufacturing further strengthens the project’s credentials as a future-ready industrial investment, aligned with both environmental and economic priorities.
Andhra Pradesh Emerges as a Manufacturing Hub
The announcement has been welcomed by the Andhra Pradesh government as a strong endorsement of the state’s industrial policies and infrastructure readiness. The state has been actively positioning itself as a preferred destination for renewable energy and advanced manufacturing investments through policy stability, land availability, and streamlined approvals.
State IT Minister Nara Lokesh described the Tata Power investment as a vote of confidence in Andhra Pradesh’s governance framework and commitment to clean energy manufacturing. He emphasized that such projects would not only create employment opportunities but also enhance the state’s role in India’s clean energy value chain.
Economic Impact and Employment Generation
Beyond its strategic significance, the project is expected to generate substantial direct and indirect employment during both the construction and operational phases. Ancillary industries, logistics services, and local vendors are also likely to benefit from the establishment of a large-scale manufacturing facility in the region.
Industry analysts believe that the project could act as an anchor investment, attracting further private sector participation and accelerating the development of a robust renewable manufacturing ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh.
A Step Toward Energy Security and Industrial Growth
As India accelerates its transition toward renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, investments such as Tata Power Renewable Energy’s Nellore facility play a crucial role in bridging technological gaps and strengthening domestic capabilities. The project represents a convergence of industrial growth, clean energy transition, and policy-driven development.
With construction expected to progress in phases, the facility is poised to become a cornerstone of India’s solar manufacturing landscape, reinforcing Andhra Pradesh’s standing as a key player in the nation’s clean energy future.
