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Chinese solar power module and cell manufacturer Xi’an LONGi Silicon Materials Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding to build a $250 million ( around ₹1,600 crore) manufacturing plant in Andhra Pradesh. Xi’an LONGi will invest the money as part of the first phase of investment in the proposed ₹8,000-crore plant. The company will initially employ 1,000 people to produce 1,000 MW of solar cells annually and 1,000 MW of solar modules annually.
“India is a leading market for solar power right now. We hope our investment helps contribute to India’s solar programme as well as the ‘Make in India’ programme,” said Baoshen Zhong, Chairman of LONGi.
LONGi’s plant will come up in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh, which is 55 km north of Chennai and is a special economic zone. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu urged LONGi to enhance research in solar power to bring down the cost of electricity.
He also promised to provide all necessary approvals to the company within 21 days.
“You have to show speed, scale and skill…I want Xi’an to help us with research to bring down the cost of solar power,” said Naidu. Meanwhile, Ajay Jain, Secretary for Infrastructure and Investment, Andhra Pradesh, said that the State targets to have 9,000-10,000 MW of solar power capacity by 2022. He added that work on the 2,500 MW solar park coming up in the State. “Work has started on 250 MW. A further 2,000 MW is under tendering and will be awarded within the next 10-15 days,” said Jain.
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