Wind energy major Suzlon Group plans to invest Rs 10,000 crore in Andhra Pradesh as part of its expansion in the state.
State IT Minister Nara Lokesh will inaugurate Suzlon's new S144 wind blades at Huliker village in Kanekallu mandal in Anantapur district on Tuesday.
"Suzlon Group plans to invest Rs 10,000 crore in Andhra Pradesh as part of its expansion, including the development of 1,325 MW of new wind projects in Rayadurg constituency of Anantapur district," a release said on Monday.
The new projects are expected to create around 4,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, while Suzlon is targeting 5 GW of additional renewable energy capacity in Andhra Pradesh by 2030.
Suzlon already has more than 1,700 MW of installed wind energy capacity in the state, it said.
The company began operations in Andhra Pradesh in 2004 and has since established a manufacturing and project footprint in Anantapur district.
Its rotor blade manufacturing facility at Ippuru in Kuderu mandal in Anantapur district is among its key manufacturing facilities and supports wind projects in partnership with leading energy companies, including Tata Power.
The company has invested around Rs 12,000 crore in Andhra Pradesh so far, including its major blade manufacturing operations in Anantapur, the release said, adding that the facility accounts for around 40 per cent of Suzlon's blade production, with an annual production capacity equivalent to 1,260 MW.
The company's operations have already generated employment for around 2,200 people in the state.
The Andhra Pradesh government and Suzlon are also collaborating on a large-scale green skills development programme aimed at preparing young professionals for the renewable energy sector.
Wind Energy Learning Centres have been established in Uravakonda and Vijayawada, with around 12,000 young professionals being trained. Women account for around 25 per cent of the trainees.
With inputs from PTI
