Lokesh to inaugurate 300 MW SAEL solar plant in Kadapa on May 22

Tirupati: Minister for IT, electronics and communications Nara Lokesh will inaugurate SAEL’s 300 MW solar power plant at T. Kodur village in Kondapuram mandal of Kadapa district on May 22.TDP zonal coordinator Reddeppagari Srinivasa Reddy said renewable energy firm SAEL Industries’ $192 million investment in the project reflects its growing commitment to Andhra Pradesh.He noted that the company has drawn up a ₹22,000 crore investment plan for the state, covering over 1,750 MW of solar and battery energy storage capacity in the Kadapa–Kurnool belt, along with biomass and digital infrastructure projects. The initiative is expected to generate nearly 7,000 direct and about 70,000 indirect jobs.The solar plant is being developed across nearly 1,500 acres acquired through long-term lease agreements. The site spans areas near T. Kodur in Kadapa and Bodaipalle village in Tadipatri mandal of Anantapur district.For power evacuation, a dedicated 220/33 KV pooling substation has been set up, along with a 12.8-km-long 220 KV transmission line connecting the project to the Power Grid Corporation of India’s Kurnool-III substation, integrating it into the inter-state grid.SAEL secured the project through a competitive reverse-bidding process conducted by the Solar Energy Corporation of India. A 25-year power purchase agreement has been signed at ₹2.60 per unit.The project has received key regulatory approvals, including consent from the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board and grid clearances from the Southern Regional Load Despatch Centre.