Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin opened a 4.3 GW solar cell and module manufacturing plant of TP Solar in Gangaikondan SIPCOT industrial estate, Tirunelveli, on Thursday. The plant was built at an estimated cost of Rs 3,800 crore.
At another event in the district, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation for Vikram Solar's new plant, which will have a 3 GW solar cell and 6 GW module capacity. This plant will cost Rs 2,574 crore.
TP Solar, a part of the Tata Group, will provide jobs to 4,000 people, while Vikram Solar will hire 2,500 people. Most of these jobs will be given to women, according to the government.
Tamil Nadu is India's second-largest economy and a leader in manufacturing and exports. The Economic Survey for 2024-25 praised the Tamil Nadu government for its efforts in attracting investments and creating jobs, especially for women.
The government has been working on initiatives to attract investment and create more jobs, aiming to grow the state economy to one trillion US dollars by 2030.
TATA Power Ltd signed the first agreement for the TP Solar project in July 2022 and a second one during the Global Investors Summit in January last year.
After the inauguration, Chief Minister Stalin visited the factory and met with the women employees.
Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran, who spoke via video, thanked the Chief Minister for supporting the project, which could eventually expand to 8 GW. He mentioned that the plant has created job opportunities for women within a 100 km radius.
The Chief Minister emphasized how this project would help both Tamil Nadu and the nation by boosting sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity.
TP Solar shared on social media: "We are proud to mark a historic moment as Chief Minister Thiru @mkstalin opens the 4.3 GW Solar Manufacturing Facility — India's largest solar plant at a single location."
The new plant in Tirunelveli is a significant step in India's renewable energy journey, improving solar manufacturing, creating jobs, and promoting sustainable growth.
Later, the Chief Minister also inaugurated completed projects in the Tirunelveli Corporation, such as the Mahatma Gandhi Daily Market Complex, Vegetable Market, children's playground, and beautification projects. These projects were completed at a cost of Rs 66.4 crore and were launched in Palayamkottai.
Several government officials attended the events, including Industries Minister T R B Raaja, Assembly Speaker M Appavu, Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan, Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, Municipal Administration Minister K N Nehru, and Tirunelveli district collector K P Karthikeyan.
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