popular articles

Waaree inaugurates 5.4 GW solar gigafactory in Chikhli, strengthening India’s industrial capacity

Waaree Energies has launched its 5.4 GW solar cell plant in Chikhli, Gujarat, marking a key milestone for India’s photovoltaic industry and its local manufacturing ambitions.

Please share:

Waaree Energies Ltd., one of India’s leading solar technology producers, has inaugurated a new 5.4 GW photovoltaic cell gigafactory in Chikhli, in the state of Gujarat. This facility, the largest of its kind in India to date, was officially opened on 29 March during a ceremony attended by several Union ministers and representatives of the Gujarat government. The event notably brought together Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, Minister of New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi, and Minister of Water C. R. Paatil.

Spanning 150 acres, including 101 acres of built-up area, the new factory reflects the country’s strategy to scale up its industrial capabilities in solar technologies. Waaree’s leadership stated that this production platform aims to support the national goal of strengthening energy independence through local industrialisation of solar components, in line with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Industrial ramp-up in photovoltaic cell manufacturing

The Chikhli gigafactory has been designed to integrate high-efficiency solar cell manufacturing technologies, with a focus on precision engineering and applied innovation. According to Waaree, the platform will serve as a key driver of national growth in the photovoltaic segment, with the ambition to supply a significant share of the country’s solar energy production projects.

Beyond its manufacturing capacity, the site aims to deliver local economic impact by creating over 9,500 direct jobs and around 30,000 indirect employment opportunities. This initiative aligns with Gujarat’s industrial policy to become a strategic centre in the solar value chain, notably through the production of key components such as cells and modules.

A lever for India’s energy strategy towards 2030

The opening of this factory comes as India targets the deployment of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. The central government supports an assertive policy aimed at reducing dependency on critical component imports while developing a high-value local industrial fabric.

By strengthening its manufacturing base in clean technologies, Waaree also aims to expand its presence in international markets. The company notes that this infrastructure marks a major step in positioning India as a global supplier in the solar value chain. The commissioning of this gigafactory could shift the country’s solar cell supply dynamics, historically reliant on imports, particularly from China.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

Meyer Burger announces the introduction of short-time work at its Thalheim site starting May 1, 2025, affecting 300 employees due to temporary material shortages required for solar cell production.
After a one-year interruption, the Noor Ouarzazate III solar plant, with a capacity of 150 MW, has been brought back into operation by the Masen group. This event highlights Morocco's ambitions in renewable energy and energy transition.
After a one-year interruption, the Noor Ouarzazate III solar plant, with a capacity of 150 MW, has been brought back into operation by the Masen group. This event highlights Morocco's ambitions in renewable energy and energy transition.
Algeria explores a partnership with Chinese giant LONGi to launch local solar panel production. This initiative is part of the country's energy diversification strategy.
Algeria explores a partnership with Chinese giant LONGi to launch local solar panel production. This initiative is part of the country's energy diversification strategy.
The United States plans to impose heavy tariffs on solar panels from four Asian countries, citing transnational subsidies supported by China.
The United States plans to impose heavy tariffs on solar panels from four Asian countries, citing transnational subsidies supported by China.
Chinese group Das Solar begins construction of its first European factory in Mandeure, with an initial 2 GW capacity and the planned creation of 600 jobs.
EDP (Energias de Portugal) expands its German portfolio with a second 65 MWp photovoltaic complex. Carried out with Kronos Solar EDPR, this initiative supplies nearly 22,000 households and marks a step forward in its European growth strategy.
EDP (Energias de Portugal) expands its German portfolio with a second 65 MWp photovoltaic complex. Carried out with Kronos Solar EDPR, this initiative supplies nearly 22,000 households and marks a step forward in its European growth strategy.
Recurrent Energy launched operations of a 127 MW solar site in Louisiana, marking a strategic first entry into a state with strong industrial energy demand.
Recurrent Energy launched operations of a 127 MW solar site in Louisiana, marking a strategic first entry into a state with strong industrial energy demand.
AXIAN Energy has entrusted Voltalia and Entech with the development of a 60 MW solar plant combined with 90 MWh storage in the Kolda region, scheduled to be operational by 2026.
AXIAN Energy has entrusted Voltalia and Entech with the development of a 60 MW solar plant combined with 90 MWh storage in the Kolda region, scheduled to be operational by 2026.
Atlas Renewable Energy has signed a power purchase agreement with Chlorum Solutions to power its chemical operations in Brazil with 24 MW of solar energy from the Draco complex.
Kosol Energie has completed a 10 MW solar power plant in the Kutch desert, relying on GoodWe inverters to optimise energy output under extreme climate conditions.
Kosol Energie has completed a 10 MW solar power plant in the Kutch desert, relying on GoodWe inverters to optimise energy output under extreme climate conditions.
EDF Renewables and Power Sustainable secured financing for Desert Quartzite, a 375 MW solar power plant with storage, located in California and operational since December 2024.
EDF Renewables and Power Sustainable secured financing for Desert Quartzite, a 375 MW solar power plant with storage, located in California and operational since December 2024.
Catalyze has secured an $85 million tax equity investment from RBC to support the development of 75 MW of commercial and community solar projects across the United States by the end of 2025.
Catalyze has secured an $85 million tax equity investment from RBC to support the development of 75 MW of commercial and community solar projects across the United States by the end of 2025.
The New York-based developer has received permission to operate Troy Solar I, a 995 kW power plant connected to the Central Maine Power grid.
US manufacturer ES Foundry has signed a three-year, 150 MW supply agreement with a community solar developer to reinforce its domestic supply chain and support the expansion of the solar market in the United States.
US manufacturer ES Foundry has signed a three-year, 150 MW supply agreement with a community solar developer to reinforce its domestic supply chain and support the expansion of the solar market in the United States.
The Ethiopian Prime Minister’s visit to TOYO’s factory in Vietnam signals a new phase in energy cooperation with the Japanese group, focusing on industrial expansion in Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian Prime Minister’s visit to TOYO’s factory in Vietnam signals a new phase in energy cooperation with the Japanese group, focusing on industrial expansion in Ethiopia.
Niger is increasing its reliance on solar energy to offset the reduction in Nigerian electricity exports, a direct consequence of diplomatic tensions following the regime change in Niamey.
Niger is increasing its reliance on solar energy to offset the reduction in Nigerian electricity exports, a direct consequence of diplomatic tensions following the regime change in Niamey.
DTE Energy has begun construction of a new solar park to provide Ford Motor Company with 100% renewable electricity for its manufacturing sites in Michigan.
Fremont Township, located in Saginaw County, has secured $600,000 in public funding for its partnership with EDP Renewables North America to develop the Eagle Creek Solar Park.
Fremont Township, located in Saginaw County, has secured $600,000 in public funding for its partnership with EDP Renewables North America to develop the Eagle Creek Solar Park.
UK commercial and industrial solar specialist Atrato Onsite Energy has finalised a structured financing agreement with Barclays to support the expansion of its photovoltaic asset base.
UK commercial and industrial solar specialist Atrato Onsite Energy has finalised a structured financing agreement with Barclays to support the expansion of its photovoltaic asset base.
Matrix Renewables and rPlus Energies have completed the commissioning of Pleasant Valley Solar 1, a 261 MWdc project located in Ada County, Idaho, now the largest solar facility in Idaho Power’s network.
Matrix Renewables and rPlus Energies have completed the commissioning of Pleasant Valley Solar 1, a 261 MWdc project located in Ada County, Idaho, now the largest solar facility in Idaho Power’s network.
Groupe VALOREM secured €22mn in funding with Arkéa Banque to develop 63 rooftop photovoltaic plants in Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie, consolidating its model in a shifting French solar market.
In Lopera, an agricultural village in Andalusia, photovoltaic plant projects plan to expropriate olive-growing land, sparking opposition from residents over the potential uprooting of 100,000 olive trees.
In Lopera, an agricultural village in Andalusia, photovoltaic plant projects plan to expropriate olive-growing land, sparking opposition from residents over the potential uprooting of 100,000 olive trees.
The Cunderdin hybrid project, inaugurated in early April in Western Australia, combines 128 MWdc of solar with 220 MWh of storage using a fully DC-coupled architecture designed by Sungrow.
The Cunderdin hybrid project, inaugurated in early April in Western Australia, combines 128 MWdc of solar with 220 MWh of storage using a fully DC-coupled architecture designed by Sungrow.
The Villognon power plant, finalised under the agreement with Urbasolar and GazelEnergie, will supply 30,000 MWh annually to Groupe ADP, completing a strategic deal to cover 10% of its airports’ yearly electricity needs.
The Villognon power plant, finalised under the agreement with Urbasolar and GazelEnergie, will supply 30,000 MWh annually to Groupe ADP, completing a strategic deal to cover 10% of its airports’ yearly electricity needs.

Advertising