₹8,175-Crore Waaree Gigafactory to Make Andhra Pradesh a Clean Energy Hub

In a significant step toward strengthening India’s clean-energy infrastructure, the Andhra Pradesh government has granted in-principle approval for a massive lithium-ion battery gigafactory proposed by Waaree Energies at Rambilli in Anakapalli district. The greenfield project, backed by an investment of ₹8,175 crore , was cleared by the State Investment Promotion Board under the leadership of Chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu , marking one of the largest energy storage manufacturing initiatives in the country.

The proposed facility will be India’s largest integrated lithium-ion battery manufacturing unit, designed to cover the entire value chain within a single campus. Rather than focusing solely on assembly, the plant will manufacture lithium-ion cells, design and assemble battery packs, and produce large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for grid and industrial applications. With a planned annual production capacity of 16 GWh , the unit is expected to significantly strengthen domestic capabilities in advanced energy storage technologies.

The project comes at a crucial time when India is rapidly expanding renewable energy capacity. Solar and wind power generation is inherently intermittent, creating challenges for grid stability. The large-scale storage systems produced at the Rambilli facility will enable surplus renewable energy to be stored and supplied during peak demand periods. This capability will improve grid stability , support round-the-clock clean power supply, and enhance the reliability of renewable energy integration.

Beyond grid applications, the gigafactory is expected to play a transformative role in India’s growing electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem. At present, India depends heavily on imported lithium-ion batteries, particularly from China, which contributes to higher EV costs. Domestic production is likely to reduce import dependence, lower battery costs, and make electric vehicles more affordable, thereby accelerating EV adoption and supporting the country’s Atmanirbhar Bharat manufacturing goals.

The economic impact of the project is expected to be substantial, particularly for North Andhra. The facility is projected to generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities while attracting ancillary industries involved in raw materials, components, logistics, and engineering services. Over time, the region could evolve into a major clean-energy and advanced manufacturing cluster.

The initiative also aligns with India’s broader strategy to build domestic capacity in energy storage a critical component for achieving renewable energy targets, ensuring energy security, and reducing reliance on global supply chains. Industry experts note that demand for battery storage will rise sharply in the coming decade as renewable power capacity expands and electric mobility gains momentum.

If implemented as planned, the Rambilli gigafactory will not only reshape Andhra Pradesh’s industrial landscape but also strengthen India’s transition toward a sustainable, self-reliant, and technologically advanced energy future.