Continued from P1

Lokesh said the SAEL project - SAEL Solar MHP1 and SAEL Solar MHP2 - was completed in a record time of just 11 months due to the cooperation of local farmers, youth, and officials. He stated that the entire state is now looking towards Jammalamadugu as a model for industrial and renewable energy development.

He highlighted that the government had already established a mega solar park in the region and brought in several major projects, including those of Adani group, Chinta Green, and the Genco-NTPC pumped storage projects.

The Minister said Andhra Pradesh’s success in attracting investments and industries is driven by three key factors: the global credibility of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the government’s “Speed of Doing Business” approach and the support of the NDA government at the Centre.

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 observed that investors are now eager to enter Andhra Pradesh because of the state’s leadership and fast decision-making process.

Lokesh said Andhra Pradesh is building 22 specialised growth clusters in sectors such as electronics, green energy, drones, food processing, software, pharma, and advanced manufacturing to create globally competitive ecosystems.

Recalling his first interaction with the SAEL leadership in Delhi, Lokesh said he immediately recognised the company’s long-term vision and commitment towards renewable energy.

He appreciated the company for integrating closely with local communities, farmers, officials, engineers and workers during the project execution.

The project, spread across more than 2,400 acres, includes two major 300 MW facilities constructed using over 1.2 million advanced TOPCon bifacial solar modules manufactured at SAEL plants in Punjab and Rajasthan.

Lokesh said the project generated direct and indirect employment for over 1,000 people during construction, with nearly 80 per cent of them being locals. Around 760 farmers and their families also benefited through long-term land lease agreements.

The Minister further stated that SAEL’s biomass-based energy initiatives across Andhra Pradesh are expected to generate nearly 200 MW of electricity from agricultural waste, creating additional income opportunities for farmers and thousands of jobs in the renewable energy sector.

Energy Minister G Ravi Kumar said the government was implementing reforms and renewable energy projects to achieve its target of creating 20 lakh jobs.