Tata Power will set up a solar wafer and ingot plant on land belonging to Tata Steel Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Odisha, the company said. Earlier discussions had considered Andhra Pradesh as a possible site, but the location was finalised in Odisha. The move forms part of the company’s effort to expand domestic photovoltaic manufacturing capacity.

In a post-earnings call the Tata Power chief executive Praveer Sinha said work on the wafer and ingot facility will begin in October and the plant is planned to be operational by January 2028, a timeline of about 16 months. He noted that land has already been acquired and that the company is tying up environmental clearances, water and other approvals before construction begins. The firm anticipates commencing work as scheduled subject to the completion of these approvals.

The chief executive said the European renewables market opening to largely non-Chinese supply chains represents a significant opportunity and that Tata Power is examining export prospects. He described the potential export size as nearly two to three gigawatts for one country with scope to extend to additional markets. Most solar modules installed in Europe are currently imported from China, which is central to the export rationale. The company also reported that its four point three gigawatt cell and module plant is operating at full capacity and will not be expanded.

Executives said the project will require coordinated approvals and infrastructure support and that the company is arranging for water and environmental compliance as well as necessary permits. The decision to use SEZ land was presented as a means to accelerate site readiness and reduce initial development timelines. The plan is positioned as a step towards strengthening domestic supply chains for solar equipment while aligning with broader decarbonisation goals.