During his recent visit to the United Kingdom on Monday, November 3, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu proudly announced a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Government of Andhra Pradesh and the Hinduja Group. This landmark agreement involves a staggering cumulative investment of ₹20,000 crore, which, as shared by the Chief Minister on ‘X’, is poised to dramatically boost the state’s industrial and clean energy development.
The signing ceremony was graced by the presence of key figures including Ashok P. Hinduja, the esteemed Chairperson of the Hinduja Group; Prakash Hinduja, Chairperson of Hinduja Group Europe; and Vivek Nanda, CEO of Hinduja Investments & Project Services Ltd.
Highlighting the core elements of the MoU, the Chief Minister detailed several pivotal initiatives. These include a substantial expansion of the current 1,050 MW Hinduja National Power Corporation Ltd. (HNPCL) facility in Visakhapatnam, adding an impressive 1,600 MW (through two 800 MW units). Furthermore, the agreement encompasses the creation of extensive solar and wind energy projects, significantly bolstering Andhra Pradesh’s clean energy infrastructure. To champion sustainable transportation, plans are in motion for a cutting-edge electric bus and light vehicle manufacturing plant, alongside the establishment of a robust network of EV charging stations across the state.
In a separate engagement, Mr. Chandrababu Naidu held discussions with Nikki Grady-Smith, the Group Chief Transformation Officer of Rolls-Royce. Their conversation focused on exploring potential collaborations within Andhra Pradesh, particularly concerning civil aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities. They also addressed advanced power systems for future data centers, considering both conventional energy solutions and innovative small modular reactors to guarantee a dependable and eco-friendly power supply.
The Chief Minister further emphasized opportunities at Orvakal, proposing the development of a military airstrip and an MRO unit. He also put forward the idea of setting up Global Capability Centers in Visakhapatnam and Tirupati, and fostering a comprehensive aviation ecosystem complete with an MRO facility adjacent to the upcoming Bhogapuram airport.
Subsequently, Mr. Chandrababu Naidu engaged with Shailesh Hiranandani, Chairperson of SRAM & MRAM Group, and then with Sampath Kumar Mallaya, Chairperson of Samko Holdings Ltd. During their meeting, the SRAM & MRAM Group conveyed its keen interest in developing semiconductor and advanced packaging facilities within Andhra Pradesh.
Closing his engagements, the Chief Minister met Chris Fitzgerald, International Affairs Group Director for Octopus Energy. Their discussions revolved around lucrative investment prospects in the clean energy domain, alongside potential partnerships in renewable energy, sophisticated data analytics, and intelligent smart grid management systems.