Powering India’s Clean Energy Future: The ₹6,200-crore Waaree Energies facility at Butibori, Nagpur, aims to transform domestic solar manufacturing and strengthen India’s journey toward energy independence. – NE photo
- ₹6,200-Crore Mega Project to Anchor India’s Upstream Solar Manufacturing Ecosystem
- 300-Acre Integrated Facility Aims to Cut Import Dependence and Strengthen Energy Security
- 8,000 Jobs Expected as Maharashtra Emerges as a Clean Energy Manufacturing Hub
- Industry Leaders Say Project Advances ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and India’s Renewable Leadership
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, MAR 14
In a landmark move for India’s clean-energy manufacturing sector, Waaree Energies Limited has announced the development of India’s largest integrated solar ingot and wafer manufacturing facility at Butibori in Nagpur, marking a decisive step toward strengthening the country’s domestic solar supply chain.
Spread across 300 acres and backed by an investment of approximately ₹6,200 crore, the upcoming complex will house 10 GW capacity each for solar ingots and wafers, making it the largest integrated upstream solar manufacturing facility in the country.
The project is expected to significantly enhance India’s ability to produce high-purity solar ingots and wafers, the foundational building blocks of the solar photovoltaic value chain.
A major leap for energy self-reliance
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by prominent leaders, including Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, and Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, alongside industry stakeholders and Waaree leadership.
Experts note that strengthening domestic production of ingots and wafers—critical upstream components in solar module manufacturing—will reduce dependence on imports and stabilise supply chains for India’s rapidly expanding renewable energy sector.
Vision for a strong domestic solar ecosystem
Speaking at the event, Hitesh Doshi, Chairman and Managing Director of Waaree Energies, highlighted the strategic importance of the project for India’s energy future.
“India’s clean energy transition will be powered not only by renewable deployment but also by building strong domestic manufacturing capabilities across the solar value chain.”
He emphasised that the facility would play a pivotal role in strengthening the country’s upstream solar ecosystem.
“The groundbreaking of our integrated ingot and wafer facility in Nagpur marks an important step in strengthening India’s upstream solar manufacturing ecosystem.”
Driving ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’
Doshi said building domestic capacity for critical components would support the government’s broader economic vision.
“By developing large-scale domestic capacity for these critical components, we aim to contribute to India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, reduce import dependence, and enhance the resilience of the country’s solar supply chain.”
He also highlighted Nagpur’s advantages as an industrial hub.
“Nagpur’s strategic location, strong industrial ecosystem, and connectivity across India make it an ideal destination for a project of this scale.”
Jobs and regional growth
Beyond its manufacturing significance, the project is expected to generate more than 8,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, boosting regional industrial development, skill creation and economic growth across Maharashtra.
Doshi noted that the initiative would have far-reaching economic impact beyond the renewable energy sector.
“Beyond manufacturing, the project will contribute to local employment, skill development, and industrial growth in the region.”
Strengthening India’s renewable leadership
India remains one of the world’s fastest-growing renewable energy markets, supported by strong policy initiatives aimed at expanding domestic manufacturing and achieving energy independence.
According to Waaree Energies, the new facility will help position India as a globally competitive hub for solar manufacturing as the nation moves toward its long-term development vision.
“As India progresses toward the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, building globally competitive clean energy manufacturing infrastructure will play a crucial role in establishing the country as a global hub for renewable energy technologies,” Doshi added.
