Amaravati, July 30 (HS): Andhra Pradesh Minister for Information Technology and Human Resources Development Nara Lokesh on Wednesday said the state has the potential to emerge as the Saudi Arabia of clean energy by leveraging its long coastline and building a comprehensive ecosystem for renewable energy and green fuels.

Speaking after laying the foundation stone for renewable energy projects of Tata Power Renewable Energy and Suzlon, Lokesh said Andhra Pradesh, with the second-longest coastline in the country, is well-positioned to become a key driver of India's clean energy transition.

He said energy security is increasingly influencing global geopolitics and stressed that India must achieve energy self-sufficiency under the leadership and vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Lokesh said the state's ambitions extend beyond renewable power generation to the production of green hydrogen, green ammonia and other green molecules, enabling Andhra Pradesh to emerge as a major clean energy and export hub.

Highlighting ongoing investments, the minister said Greenko has received approvals for a green molecules terminal, with the project at an advanced stage and commercial production expected to commence in 2028. He added that another company is also in the process of securing approvals for a similar facility but declined to disclose its identity before the process is completed.

Lokesh also said NTPC is setting up a green molecules plant in the state, complementing the clean energy ecosystem being developed in Andhra Pradesh.

Inviting greater private sector participation, he urged Tata Power to explore investments in green hydrogen and green molecules, reiterating the state's commitment to becoming a global centre for clean energy production.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar