KURNOOL: Andhra Pradesh is fast emerging as the preferred destination for global investors, with major international funds and leading Indian companies evincing keen interest in the state, education minister Nara Lokesh said on Thursday.
Speaking at the foundation-stone laying ceremony of Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd’s mega clean energy project near Hosur in Pattikonda constituency, Lokesh asserted that attracting industries is the government’s responsibility, while youth must equip themselves with skills and work hard to seize emerging opportunities.
The minister laid the foundation for the Rs 5,750-crore hybrid renewable energy project that will generate 800mw of power, combining 400mw solar capacity in Pattikonda and 400mw wind energy in Kanekal of Anantapur district.
The project, spread over more than 3,400 acres, is expected to generate around 4,000 jobs during the construction phase and provide stable lease income to over 1,100 farmer families for nearly three decades.
Lokesh said that within a year, AP witnessed a 400 per cent increase in renewable energy capacity, attributing this growth to the restoration of investor confidence. “When the new government took charge in June 2024, the renewable sector was in disarray. Power purchase agreements were cancelled unilaterally and global investors had blacklisted the state. Rebuilding trust has taken sustained effort,” he said.
Highlighting the government’s long-term vision, he said the Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024 aims to achieve 160gw capacity and build a complete clean energy ecosystem in the state, including solar modules, batteries, green hydrogen, green ammonia, transmission infrastructure and ports.
“Our goal is not just to consume clean energy, but to position AP as a global producer of clean technologies,” he said.
Lokesh said the state’s long coastline, abundant renewable resources and world-class ports provide a unique advantage to emerge as a gateway for green hydrogen and ammonia exports. “In the near future, ships carrying clean fuels from Andhra Pradesh will reach Europe, Japan and Korea,” he said.
Referring to the state’s ties with the Tata Group, Lokesh recalled that Tata Consultancy Services was among the first companies to invest in Hyderabad’s Hitech City during the tenure of Chandrababu Naidu as chief minister there. He said the government is now focused on “speed, simplicity and stability” to ensure faster execution of projects.
The minister invited Tata Power to collaborate with the proposed Centre of Excellence in renewable technologies being set up in partnership with IIT Tirupati and the University of New South Wales, Australia.
Lokesh also stressed the need to bridge the skill gap, noting that some investors are concerned about the availability of skilled manpower. “We are linking ITIs with industries and preparing youth as per industrial requirements. Initiatives like the earn-while-you-learn university model will ensure students graduate with employable skills,” he said.
He expressed confidence that AP, with strong partnerships between government, industry and farmers, will lead India’s clean energy transition and set global benchmarks.
Commerce and food processing minister Bharath Gupta, local MLA Shyam Babu, several other MLAs, Tata Power CEO Praveer Sinha, Tata Power renewable energy Sanjay Banga, collector A Siri and others participated in the event.
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