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Lokesh Inaugurates 600 MW Solar Projects in Kadapa

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

ANANTAPUR: Education minister Nara Lokesh on Friday inaugurated the 600MW solar power project developed by SAEL Industries Ltd at T Konduru village in Kondapuram mandal in Kadapa district, describing it as a symbol of “vision, trust, speed and execution.”

Built with an investment of nearly `3,000 crore, the project based in Jammalamadugu constituency was completed in a record 11 months.
Addressing the gathering, Lokesh said AP has emerged as a preferred destination for investors because of the high credibility of the chief minister, rapid implementation of projects and support from the NDA government at the Centre.
He stated that while some people indulged in destructive politics, their government’s focus remained on job creation, industrial growth and attracting investments.
The minister said the entire state is now looking towards Jammalamadugu as a model for industrial development. He credited the local farmers, youth and people’s cooperation for the successful completion of the project within a short span.
“AP has already brought major renewable energy investments including mega solar parks, pumped storage projects and green energy initiatives by several companies into the region,” he recalled.
Lokesh said the state is building 22 specialised growth clusters in sectors such as electronics, green energy, software, drones, food processing, pharmaceuticals and advanced manufacturing to create a globally competitive industrial ecosystem.
He recalled his first interaction with the SAEL leadership during a telecom operators’ association meeting in New Delhi and cited the company’s long-term commitment towards renewable energy development.
Spread across more than 2,400 acres, the MHP1 and MHP2 projects consist of two 300mw solar facilities. More than 1.2 million advanced TOP Con-bifacial solar modules manufactured at SAEL’s plants in Punjab and Rajasthan were installed for the local project.
“An aim is to reduce nearly 1.1 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually. Power generated from the plant will be supplied to the national grid under a 25-year power purchase agreement with the Solar Energy Corporation of India and will also serve states including Gujarat. AP will no longer be just a consumer of clean energy. It is emerging as an exporter of green power,” he said.
Over 1,000 people received direct and indirect employment during the construction phase; nearly 80 per cent of them locals. Around 760 farmers and their families are also benefiting through long-term land lease agreements.
Lokesh said SAEL’s biomass-based energy initiatives across the State are expected to generate nearly 200 MW of electricity using agricultural waste, creating additional income opportunities for farmers and employment for thousands of youth.
Energy minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar, district in-charge minister Savitha, collector Cherukuri Sridhar, SAEL coordinator and director Sukhbir Singh, executive director and CEO Lakshit Awla, Jammalamadugu MLA Adinarayana Reddy and TDP constituency in-charge Bhupesh Reddy were present.


( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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