Tata Group’s solar power arm is in the final stages of discussions with the Tamil Nadu government as it proposes to install a 4GW integrated solar photovoltaic cell production unit in Gangaikondan near Tirunelveli. The investment by Tata would be approximately Rs 3,000 crore with an employment generation potential of 2,000 locals, predominantly women, highly placed authorities in the Tamil Nadu government told the media. The investment commitment by Tata Group is observed as vital as it will support the state to showcase itself as an attractive solar power production location. It is additionally likely to enhance investments to southern states which have not drawn too many till now. The state is already home to Vikram Solar, which launched its factory in July to make solar panels with 1.2 GW capacity in Oragadam. US-based First Solar is breaking ground for its greenfield facility in Pillaipakkam near Chennai on Tuesday. First Solar is funding $684 million in a completely vertically integrated photovoltaic thin-film solar module production plant with a capacity of 3.3GW and is likely to begin operations in the second half of 2023. Solar panel production is the next hot area for investment flows as the scramble for renewable energy, more particularly solar, gains momentum. More so with the Prime Minister pledging to match 50% of the nation's energy demands from renewable energy by 2030. Billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries would develop four Giga facilities in Jamnagar to produce solar photovoltaic cells, green hydrogen, batteries and fuel cells for Rs 60,000 crore. These manufacturing facilities will power Reliance’s dreams to develop 100GW of solar energy production capacity. Adani Group is additionally getting aggressive on the solar front with ideas to produce photovoltaic cells for 3.5 GW of solar power. Image Source