Anil Ambani, along with senior officials from Reliance Group, has shown keen interest in the site, following multiple visits in recent weeks

Andhra Pradesh, with its favourable climate and abundant land availability, has been a preferred destination for clean energy investments. The Reliance project in Anakapalli is expected to further enhance the state’s profile as a renewable energy powerhouse

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

In a significant move towards renewable energy, Reliance Group Chairman and Managing Director Anil Ambani is preparing to set up a solar panel manufacturing industry in the Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh. The ambitious project, planned at Atchutapuram, aims to position the state as a key hub for clean energy production.

Anil Ambani, along with senior officials from Reliance Group, has shown keen interest in the site, following multiple visits in recent weeks. The project is set to utilize 1,500 acres of non-SEZ land, with the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) playing a pivotal role in land acquisition. According to APIIC officials, Ambani’s visit to the site in Sitapalam and Setametta villages of Rambilli mandal last Saturday was unofficial but underscored the group’s commitment to the venture.

The Reliance Group has reportedly earmarked the acquired land for the project but may require additional land for future expansions. As part of the site inspection, Ambani also visited the coastal areas near the district, signaling potential interest in leveraging the proximity to ports for logistical advantages.

APIIC sources suggest that the solar panel manufacturing unit will span 1,500 acres and involve an estimated investment of Rs.6,500 crore. This massive undertaking is expected to generate employment opportunities for nearly 4,000 people, including both direct and indirect jobs. Industry insiders have hinted that Reliance Group is in talks with an international investor to raise funds for the project, further highlighting its global aspirations.

Reliance Power, part of the Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group, has a history of undertaking large-scale energy projects in Andhra Pradesh. In 2010-2011, the company initiated a 2,400 MW gas-based thermal power plant in Samarlakota, which was envisioned as India’s largest clean and green power project. However, the project faced financial challenges and was ultimately stalled. In 2018, a unit of this project was relocated to Bangladesh.

In December 2024, Reliance Power’s subsidiary, Samarlakota Power Limited, resolved a $15.48 million loan default with the Export-Import Bank of the United States, signaling improved financial stability. With existing land parcels in Krishnapatnam and Samarlakota, Reliance Group appears to be strategically shifting its focus to renewable energy, leveraging its assets and expertise in power infrastructure.

The establishment of the solar panel manufacturing unit aligns with the Indian government’s commitment to achieving ambitious renewable energy targets. Andhra Pradesh, with its favorable climate and abundant land availability, has been a preferred destination for clean energy investments. The Reliance project in Anakapalli is expected to further enhance the state’s profile as a renewable energy powerhouse.

As the project progresses, local stakeholders and industry experts are optimistic about its potential to transform the region’s economy. With Reliance Group’s track record and renewed focus on sustainability, the Anakapalli solar panel manufacturing plant could pave the way for a brighter, greener future for Andhra Pradesh and the country at large.