The Odisha government has approved a ₹10,000 crore investment by Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) to establish an integrated solar manufacturing hub within the Tata Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Gopalpur, Ganjam district. This project aims to create a massive 10 GW ingot-wafer and 5 GW solar cell capacity, helping India move closer to its national target of 100 GW domestic solar module manufacturing by 2030. Historically, India has relied heavily on Chinese imports for these components, but this project will reduce dependence on foreign supplies.
The project will be developed in two phases and is expected to generate over 5,000 jobs, including high-skill technical and engineering roles. The state government plans to support the development of these skills through its newly approved Skill Development Project (OSDP) Phase II. The project will also have a positive economic ripple effect, boosting local MSMEs in sectors like glass, precision machinery, chemicals, and logistics.
This approval is part of Odisha’s broader “Green Industrialization” vision, which aims to position the state as a high-tech manufacturer of renewable technology. With the National Institute of Solar Energy estimating the state’s solar potential at 138 GW, the government is keen to diversify the state’s economy beyond coal and iron mining. The project will also contribute to India’s goal of becoming a global leader in renewable energy.
The approval of this project comes just 48 hours after a similar facility was cleared in Andhra Pradesh, signaling that India’s eastern coast is rapidly becoming a global “Solar Belt.” This development is expected to intensify regional competition for green investment, with Odisha and other states vying to attract major renewable energy projects. Overall, the project is a significant step towards making Odisha a cornerstone of India’s green energy supply chain and contributing to the country’s transition to a more sustainable and renewable energy-based economy.