GlobalLogic Inaugurates New Chennai Office, Strengthens GCC Partnerships

• New facility inaugurated by Hon’ble IT Minister Dr. Palanivel Thiagarajan, in presence of other dignitaries including NASSCOM’s regional director for South, Mr. Bhaskar Kumar Verma
• AI-first teams in Chennai to drive innovation across cloud-native platforms, embedded systems, and next-gen growing GCC networks. 

GlobalLogic, a Hitachi Group company and leader in digital engineering, today inaugurated its new office in Chennai, further expanding its presence in India, and aimed at deepening its partnership with Global Capability Centers (GCCs).

(Left to Right) - Vikas Kaul, Palanivel Thiagarajan, Piyush Jha, Vikram Puranik, Sibha Satapathy, GlobalLogic 

Strategically located in RMZ Milenia Business Park, Perungudi, one of the city's premier IT corridors, the new facility is designed to accommodate 500 professionals and is complemented by an additional 300-seat center in Guindy, established through GlobalLogic’s integration with Mobiveil, acquired in December 2023. Together, these centers will enhance GlobalLogic’s capacity to collaborate with global telecom clients, accelerate delivery timelines, and scale AI-first engineering capabilities.

With over 800 employees currently based in Chennai, GlobalLogic plans to increase this number by 20% by the end of 2025, bringing the local headcount to over 1000. This growth contributes to the company’s broader ambition of reaching a 20,000-strong workforce in India and a global headcount of 35,000.

The inauguration was presided over by Dr. Palanivel Thiagarajan, Hon’ble Minister of Information Technology and Digital Services, Government of Tamil Nadu, and Mr. Bhaskar Kumar Verma, Regional Director, South at NASSCOM. Their presence underscored the region's rising prominence as a digital innovation hub and the government’s commitment to fostering technology-driven socio-economic growth.

Chennai is home to R&D centres of leading industry players and has highly skilled talent in networking, telecom, and IT. This makes the city a preferred choice for the company to scale and strengthen its partnerships with Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in the telecommunications and Media industry, significantly expanding its India and APAC network. The center’s location enables proximity to GCCs and allows faster collaboration and delivery for the company’s Fortune 500 clients through specialized teams.

During the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Piyush Jha, Group Vice President and Managing Director, APAC, GlobalLogic, said, “India continues to be the cornerstone of our global innovation strategy. As we scale toward a 20,000-strong workforce in the country, Chennai will play a critical role in helping us deliver AI-first, cloud-native, and telecom-grade solutions at scale.

Today, GCCs are innovation powerhouses, building mission-critical platforms and embedding AI into the core of global businesses. This new facility brings us closer to our clients and GCC partners, in line with our 'zero distance to clients' approach. It enables real-time co-creation, accelerates outcomes, and helps shape the future of connected experiences.”

Emphasizing the significance of the new office, Mr. Vikram Puranik, Senior Vice President, Communications, Consumer & Media, GlobalLogic, said “With Chennai as a focal point, we’re investing in leadership, domain expertise, and advanced engineering to solve some of the most complex challenges in telecom, from 5G monetization and intelligent networks to AI-driven customer experience. Through our VelocityAI platform, we are not just enabling transformation, we are engineering tomorrow.”

The Chennai office will focus on hiring subject matter experts in telecom and media, along with AI-first engineers across software development, testing, embedded systems, DevOps/MLOps, and data analytics. These capabilities will enhance GlobalLogic’s ability to build and scale sophisticated platforms for telecom service providers and infrastructure leaders worldwide.

About GlobalLogic

GlobalLogic, a Hitachi Group Company, is a leading digital engineering partner that helps the world's most forward-thinking companies design and build innovative, AI-powered products, platforms, and digital experiences. Since 2000, we've been at the forefront of the digital revolution, now accelerating clients' transitions into tomorrow's AI-driven businesses by integrating experience design, complex engineering, AI, and data expertise. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, GlobalLogic is a Hitachi Group Company operating under Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), which contributes to a sustainable society with a higher quality of life by driving innovation through AI and technology as the Social Innovation Business.

Govt of Tamil Nadu announces Chennai Esports Global Championship (CEGC) featuring CS2 and BGMI

Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu’s flagship esports initiative, the Chennai Esports Global Championship (CEGC), has announced two major tournaments featuring Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) and Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) in collaboration with Skyesports. Both will take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium this November, marking one of the most ambitious esports celebrations ever hosted in India.

The CEGC – Counter-Strike 2 will be held from November 7 to G, bringing together top teams from India, Southeast Asia, and Europe to compete for a USD 50,000 prize pool. This prestigious tournament will be part of the Valve Regional Standings, making it one of the key events to watch and positioning Chennai as a rising destination for global esports. Registrations are open across all three regions, with the top two teams from each qualifier advancing to the Chennai Playoffs.

The CEGC – BGMI tournament will follow from November 14 to 16, featuring India’s leading mobile esports teams competing for national glory and share of the INR 50,00,000 prize pool. Details about the tournament format, prize pool, and invited teams will be revealed soon.

The Opening Ceremony on November 7 will bring together global stakeholders, government representatives, and esports leaders to inaugurate the championship. This moment will mark the beginning of a new chapter in India’s esports journey, establishing Chennai as a hub that connects local talent with global opportunity.

CEGC isn’t a one-time tournament; it’s the foundation for India’s long-term global esports expansion. It blends community, culture, and competition to build sustainability rather than short-lived spectacle. An official initiative by the Government of Tamil Nadu, envisioned by the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, it represents a historic milestone as the first Indian state government-backed international esports championship.

Dr Atulya Misra IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Youth Welfare and Sports Development Department, said “Tamil Nadu is proud to pioneer the convergence of technology and sport. Having successfully incorporated esports into the Chief Minister’s Trophy, we are now ready to showcase our state’s prowess on the world stage. This landmark initiative is aligned with the vision of the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Thiru. Udhayanidhi Stalin, to promote emerging and futuristic sports disciplines and empower the state’s massive youth demographic.”

J. Meghanatha Reddy IAS, Member Secretary of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), added, “Tamil Nadu is proud to champion this new era of esports in India. The Chennai Esports Global Championship reffects our vision to make the state a global esports destination while creating opportunities for young players, creators, and professionals. Beyond competition, it will strengthen industries like broadcasting, production, and content creation, generating jobs and fostering growth for our creative economy.”

Shiva Nandy, Founder and CEO of Skyesports, said, “The Chennai Esports Global Championship is more than an event. It is India’s declaration that we are ready to build, host, and sustain a global esports ecosystem rooted in local talent and creativity. With the support of SDAT, we aim to make Chennai a bridge between Indian esports and the global scene, much like how Saudi Arabia’s Esports World Cup became a worldwide hub for the industry.”

By combining competition, culture, and tourism, the CEGC will deliver a festival-like experience that celebrates both gaming and Tamil Nadu’s heritage, while positioning India within the global esports landscape.

According to IMARC Group, the global esports market was valued at USD 2.08 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 10.06 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 17.05 percent. The Asia-Pacific region currently leads the industry, accounting for over 30 percent of global market share. Within this, India continues to rise as one of the fastest-growing gaming markets, with over 453 million gamers in 2023, expected to surpass 730 million by 2028.

Foxconn’s Engineer Recall Exposes India’s Manufacturing Growing Pains

Foxconn’s recent and repeated recall of 300 Chinese engineers from its Tamil Nadu facility has cast a spotlight on India’s evolving role in global tech manufacturing—and the growing pains that come with it.

The first recall of Chinese engineers by Foxconn from its Indian facilities occurred between May and July 2025, according to Bloomberg reports. This initial wave involved over 300 engineers and technicians, primarily from the Yuzhan Technology unit in Tamil Nadu, which manufactures enclosures and display modules for older iPhone models.

The second recall, involving another 300 engineers, took place in August 2025, making it the second such incident in just a few months.

What Happened?

• Foxconn, Apple’s key assembly partner, recalled 300 Chinese engineers from its Yuzhan Technology unit in Tamil Nadu.
• This is the second such recall in recent months, reportedly prompted by Chinese government pressure to limit technology transfer and equipment exports to India and Southeast Asia.
• Foxconn is now replacing the Chinese engineers with Taiwanese counterparts, signaling a strategic pivot in its workforce sourcing.

Impact on Apple’s India Expansion

• The Yuzhan facility produces metal enclosures and display modules for older iPhone models—not the latest iPhone 17 line.
• Apple plans to manufacture all four iPhone 17 models in India, marking a major milestone in its supply chain diversification.
• However, the loss of experienced Chinese technicians could slow down efforts to localize production and maintain quality standards.

Spotlight on Indian Workforce

• Apple has consciously chosen to work with Indian suppliers, notably the Tata Group, which is now the only Indian iPhone assembler.
• While Indian firms are scaling up, they still face teething issues in precision manufacturing compared to their Chinese counterparts.
• The recall underscores both the opportunity and challenge of building a high-tech manufacturing ecosystem in India.

Geopolitical Undercurrents

• China’s move is seen as a silent sanction to discourage manufacturing migration to India.
• India and China are attempting to reset diplomatic ties, including easing visa rules and exploring cooperation in strategic sectors like rare earths.
• Meanwhile, Apple is balancing its global strategy with $100 billion in new U.S. manufacturing investments, aiming to appease American policymakers.

Tamil Nadu Launches India’s First School of Semiconductor to Power Chip Talent Pipeline

In a landmark move to position itself at the forefront of India’s semiconductor revolution, Tamil Nadu has launched the country’s first-of-its-kind School of Semiconductor, aimed at building a robust talent pipeline and fostering innovation across the chipmaking ecosystem, reported several media outlets including The Hindu. 

The initiative, part of the state’s ambitious Semiconductor Mission 2030, was unveiled at the Central Polytechnic Campus in Chennai, where the new Centre for Advanced Semiconductor Technologies will serve as the hub for cutting-edge training, research, and industry collaboration.

A ₹100 Crore Commitment to Chip Talent

Backed by a ₹100 crore seed grant from the Tamil Nadu government, the school will house India’s first in-situ semiconductor fab processing facility, enabling hands-on training for roles ranging from fab technicians to process engineers and fab managers.

In its first phase, the program will train 2,000 students under the state’s Naan Mudhalvan scheme, with a broader goal of skilling 4,500 candidates through short-term modules spanning 2 to 6 weeks.

Strategic Partnerships and National Vision

The initiative is anchored by IIT Madras, with active collaboration from leading semiconductor corporates. The state is also exploring alignment with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to scale its impact nationally.

Training will span critical domains such as fabless chip design, equipment manufacturing, and startup incubation, with applications in electric vehicles, data centres, and space technology.

Aiming Global

Speaking at the launch, Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa emphasized the state’s global ambitions:

Our goal is to make Tamil Nadu the singular, indispensable source of semiconductor talent — nationally and globally. 

With this pioneering move, Tamil Nadu is not only addressing India’s semiconductor talent gap but also laying the foundation for a future-ready workforce capable of powering the next wave of technological innovation.

Tata Power’s Solar Manufacturing Arm (TP Solar) Crosses 4 GW of Solar Module Production at Its Tamil Nadu Facility

TP Solar Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) and the manufacturing arm of The Tata Power Company Limited (Tata Power), today announced that it has crossed 4 GW solar module manufacturing at its Tamil Nadu plant.

The plant has cumulatively produced 4049 MW of solar modules and 1441 MW of solar cells upto 31st May’2025.

With a strategic focus on scaling up production, the Company is targeting 3.7 GW of solar cell output and 3.725 GW of module production in FY26, further solidifying its commitment to supporting India’s clean energy transition.

Strategically built to comply with Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) norms, the facility is equipped to manufacture next-generation Mono PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) and advanced TopCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) modules using cutting-edge automated and AI-driven technologies. The ramp-up aligns with Tata Power’s goal to strengthen India’s solar supply chain resilience by reducing dependency on imports and enabling faster deployment of clean energy projects nationwide.

The facility is already supplying panels to meet Tata Power’s order book requirements—including utility-scale solar farms, hybrid energy parks, and distributed rooftop systems as well as serving marquee third-party installations across the country.

With its rated capacity of 4.3 GW expected to be fully realized in FY26, the plant would continue to support the nation’s target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.

Beyond its technological prowess, the Tamil Nadu facility also stands out for its inclusive and sustainability-first approach. Over 80% of the plant’s shop floor workforce comprises women, reflecting Tata Power’s strong focus on gender diversity and equitable job creation in advanced manufacturing. The plant itself has been built using green building principles, energy-efficient processes, and resource-conscious design, minimizing its environmental footprint.

As one of India’s largest vertically integrated solar players, TP Solar is driving innovation and scale across the clean energy value chain—from manufacturing and engineering to deployment and digital energy services. The ramp-up of this 4.3 GW facility positions the company as a key enabler of India’s clean energy independence, while advancing the global movement toward sustainable energy security.

TPREL also has a 682MW solar module and a 530MW solar cell plant at Bengaluru, which operates at full capacity to support the DCR Cells and Modules production.

Tamil Nadu Govt Announces Chennai Esports Global Championship (CeGC), Set To Attract Global Esports Talent

In a monumental moment for Indian esports, the Tamil Nadu Government has announced the Chennai Esports Global Championship (CeGC), a global esports tournament initiated by an Indian state.

Link to announcement: https://www.instagram.com/p/DHu837ZBBwJ/?img_index=1

Set to take place in Chennai later this year, the CeGC will be a multi-title esports competition featuring top teams from around the world. This initiative marks one of the most significant investments by an Indian state government toward esports, reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s commitment to fostering the industry and elevating it to global standards.

The Youth Welfare and Sports Development Department of Tamil Nadu, which has been allocated an impressive ₹562 crore in the state’s 2025-2026 budget, is spearheading this initiative. A portion of this budget will be utilized to bring the CeGC to life, positioning Chennai as a premier destination for esports not just in India but globally—capable of hosting world-class competitions, just as it has done in the past with other international sporting events.

While the full list of game titles and tournament specifics is yet to be announced, the CeGC builds on the momentum created by Tamil Nadu’s pioneering efforts as esports gains popularity amongst the youth.

This includes the successful inclusion of esports in the CM's Trophy 2024, where Skyesports organized competitions across multiple game titles, attracting participation from more than 5,000 players across the state.

The announcement of the CeGC reflects a growing recognition of esports as a legitimate sport in India. It also aligns with national trends, following the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ decision earlier this year to include esports in its cash incentive program—a move that was widely welcomed by the esports industry.

This announcement comes at a pivotal moment for the industry, as esports has now been recognized as a medal sport at the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games, and is set to debut as a standalone Olympics Esports event in 2027. With the launch of the CeGC, Tamil Nadu is leading the charge to nurture homegrown talent and position India as a formidable contender in these prestigious global esports events.

HFCL Inaugurates Defence Manufacturing Facility in Hosur to Boost Domestic Defence Manufacturing

• The facility will produce advanced Thermal Weapon Sights, Electronic Fuzes, High Capacity Radio Relay (HCRR) and Surveillance Radars, designed to meet the evolving needs of India’s armed forces as well as global defence forces.
• The facility has a manufacturing capacity of up to 5,000 Thermal Weapon Sights, 2,50,000 Electronic Fuzes for artillery guns and 1,000 units each of HCRR and Ground Surveillance Radars, annually.
• The defence manufacturing facility includes 10,000 Class and 1,00,000 Class clean rooms dedicated to the production of Thermal Imaging Core and Thermal Weapon Sights.

HFCL Limited, a leading technology enterprise and integrated next-gen communications product and solution provider announced the inauguration of its advanced defence equipment manufacturing facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu on December 23, 2024. This strategic milestone underlines HFCL’s commitment to strengthening India's self-reliance in defense manufacturing, in line with the nation’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy, former Secretary Department of Defence R&D, Chairman Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister, and Guests of Honour Dr. (Smt.) Chandrika Kaushik, Director General- Production, Coordination & Services Interaction, DRDO, and Lt. General Rajeev Sabherwal. In his address, Dr. Reddy urged HFCL to focus not only on reducing the import burden but also on becoming a global exporter of top-quality defense products.

The new facility is dedicated to producing cutting-edge defense technologies, including HFCL’s indigenously developed Thermal Weapon Sights, Electronic Fuzes, High Capacity Radio Relay (HCRR) systems and Surveillance Radars tailored to meet the evolving needs of India’s armed forces. The facility is poised to manufacture up to 5,000 Thermal Weapon Sights, 250,000 Electronic Fuzes, 1,000 units each of High Capacity Radio Relays and Ground Surveillance Radars annually, addressing the critical requirements of India’s armed forces and contributing to the nation’s expanding defense export portfolio.

HFCL's defence manufacturing facility

Mahendra Nahata, Managing Director- HFCL

The new facility is strategically designed to meet the growing demand for high-precision defense technologies. It features a 10,000 Class and 1,00,000 Class clean rooms facility for TI Core and Thermal Weapon Sights production, ensuring the highest standards of quality and reliability. With a strong focus on quality, reliability, and innovation, HFCL aims to emerge as a leader in defense technology, providing solutions that meet the stringent demands of modern military operations worldwide.

Mr. Mahendra Nahata, MD, HFCL stated, “HFCL is proud to inaugurate this advanced defence equipment manufacturing facility in Hosur, which symbolizes our unwavering dedication to innovation, excellence, and national progress. This facility will allow us to deliver world-class defense technologies to armed forces, enabling them to operate with greater efficiency and confidence in critical missions.”

The Thermal Weapon Sights designed by HFCL represent a technological breakthrough, providing exceptional performance across diverse environments. Compatible with small arms such as rifles, light machine guns (LMGs), and rocket launchers, these sights offer features like high-resolution imaging, lightweight design, extended battery endurance and compliance with stringent MIL-STD 810 and JSS 55555 standards.

HFCL’s Electronic Fuzes, including Percussion, Proximity and Time Fuzes, are engineered for precision and adaptability, meeting critical defense requirements with their advanced programmable features and safety mechanisms.

The HCRR systems, designed for tactical networks, support secure and high-speed communication at 100Mbps. These systems feature Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multi-Point configurations, adaptive power control and Frequency Hopping to ensure secure, long-range data transmission in challenging environments.

HFCL’s Surveillance Radars, utilizing FMCW technology, offer rapid detection of threats such as moving persons, vehicles and even crawling targets. These compact, lightweight radars are ideal for border security, perimeter monitoring and counter-drone operations.

The Hosur facility will play a vital role in enhancing India’s defense capabilities and contribute significantly to the Country’s export potential. By investing in indigenous manufacturing and R&D capabilities, HFCL strengthens India’s strategic independence in the defense sector while also creating new opportunities for employment and skill development in the region. This new facility is poised to become a hub of innovation, equipped with advanced manufacturing technologies to ensure unparalleled quality and precision. It will play a vital role in enabling the production of next-generation defense solutions that cater to the rigorous operational demands of modern military applications.

Tata Motors Unveils New Vehicle Manufacturing Plant in Tamil Nadu; To Use 100% Renewable Power

Tata Motors recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new vehicle manufacturing facility in Panapakkam, Ranipet district, Tamil Nadu. This state-of-the-art, greenfield plant will use 100% renewable power and is expected to create over 5,000 employment opportunities. The facility will produce next-generation vehicles for both Tata Motors and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), catering to both Indian and global markets.

This initiative aligns with Tata Motors' commitment to sustainability and innovation. The plant will also focus on skill-building within the local community. It's a significant step towards promoting indigenous manufacturing under the "Make in India, For the World" initiative.

Tata Motors Group intends to invest ~INR 9,000 crores (approximately 1.08 billion USD) in this greenfield manufacturing facility, which has been designed for an annual production capacity of over 250,000 vehicles. Production will begin in a phased manner and progressively increase to reach this capacity over the next 5-7 years.

This new Tata Motors facility in Tamil Nadu will produce a range of next-generation vehicles for both Tata Motors and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). This includes electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid vehicles, and advanced internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The focus will be on leveraging cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices to cater to both domestic and international markets.

The manufacturing facility is designed to have an annual production capacity of 200,000 vehicles. This capacity will support the production of a range of next-generation vehicles for both Tata Motors and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), including electric vehicles (EVs) and other advanced models.

Massive Fire at Tata Electronics Factory in Hosur Caused Significant Property Damage

A massive fire broke out at the Tata Electronics manufacturing unit in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. The fire started in the cellphone manufacturing section, prompting the evacuation of employees. Fortunately, all employees were accounted for, and around eight people needed medical attention but are now safe.

The fire has caused significant property damage, and the production of iPhone components has been halted.

ஒசூர் அருகே உள்ள டாடா தொழிற்சாலையில் பயங்கர தீ விபத்து

ஏராளமான பொருட்கள் தீயில் கருகி சேதம்

2 வாகனங்கள் மூலம் தீயை அணைக்கும் பணிகளில் தீயணைப்பு வீரர்கள் தீவிரம்#Hosur #Fireaccident #tata pic.twitter.com/aAeJ3IYqHc

— sathesh kumar (@sathesh1595) September 28, 2024

A Tata Electronics Private Limited (TEPL) spokesperson, in a statement, said, "There has been an unfortunate incident of fire at our plant in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. Our emergency protocols ensured that all our employees are safe. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and we will take necessary actions to safeguard the interests of our employees and other stakeholders."

It is to be noted that it is a developing situation, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Nevertheless, the fire incident at Tata Electronics’ manufacturing unit in Hosur could have several immediate and long-term impacts on their operations.

The halt in production, especially of iPhone components, could lead to delays in fulfilling orders and meeting deadlines. This might affect their supply chain commitments and relationships with clients like Apple.

The damage to property and equipment will likely result in significant financial losses. Additionally, the cost of repairs, replacements, and potential compensation for affected employees could further strain their finances.

Notably, there have been several notable fire incidents at iPhones' parts manufacturing units globally in recent years.

Last year in February, a massive fire broke out at Apple supplier Foxlink’s assembly facility in the Electronics Cluster-I of the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) zone in Tirupati, which led to part of the building collapsing. This incident halted production and caused considerable damage.

In 2021, a fire at Pegatron’s factory in Shanghai, China, which manufactures iPhone components, resulted in temporary production stoppages. Fortunately, there were no casualties, but the incident highlighted the vulnerabilities in the supply chain.

These incidents underscore the importance of stringent safety protocols and emergency preparedness in manufacturing units
In July 2020, Cuddalore district, a boiler explosion at the Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) India Limited's thermal plant resulted in the deaths of six workers and injuries to 16 others. This was the second such accident at the plant within two months.

Earlier this year, a blast at a firecracker factory in Sivakasi, Virudhunagar district, led to the deaths of eight people. This incident followed another explosion in February at a different firecracker factory in the same district, which claimed ten lives.

The above mentioned incidents highlight ongoing safety challenges in industrial operations.

Tata Power Starts Production of Solar Cell at India's Largest Single-location 4.3 GW Solar Cell & Module Manufacturing Plant in Tirunelveli

• Facility set to boost domestic manufacturing of Cell and Module and thereby aid India's solar energy and net-zero goals
• State-of-the-art facility equipped with advanced TOPCon and Mono Perc technology to enhance solar cell efficiency

TP Solar Ltd., one of India's largest cell and module manufacturing companies and a subsidiary of Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd. (TPREL), today proudly announced the commencement of commercial production from the 2GW solar cell line at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu — the country’s largest single-location solar cell & module plant. This milestone follows the successful production of solar modules earlier this year.

A woman employee is working at the state-of-the-art cell production line at Tata Power's Solar Cell and Module Manufacturing Plant

The indigenous production of solar cells marks a significant milestone, supporting India’s ambitious clean energy goals and reducing reliance on imports. The solar cell production, currently at 2 GW capacity will enhance Tata Power's ability to meet the growing demand for high-quality, and domestically produced solar components, especially for large-scale capacity-addition projects. The plant is expected to ramp up production with the remaining 2 GW capacity to be added over the next 4-6 weeks, reaching peak production within the next few months.

Having a total cell & module manufacturing capacity of 4.3 GW, the module production line at the Tirunelveli plant was commissioned in October 2023 and has produced 1250 MW of solar modules till date.

Expressing his excitement for India's renewable energy future, Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO and MD, Tata Power, said, “The commencement of cell production at our Tirunelveli plant is a significant step towards indigenisation in the solar value chain and achieving self-sufficiency. We are committed to making solar power accessible to all and ensuring a bright future for India, powered by renewable energy. We believe that this plant will lead the way in supporting the country's vision for a Net-Zero carbon future."

The facility is equipped with advanced TOPCon and Mono Perc technology, enabling high-efficiency production of solar cells and modules. TPREL’s investment in this cutting-edge technology aligns with its vision of fostering innovation and self-reliance in the renewable energy sector.

The company has committed nearly ₹4300 crore towards the establishment of this facility. It is a cornerstone of Tata Power's strategy to lead India's renewable energy transition, particularly in the solar rooftop and utility-scale segments, where it holds a 20% market share and aims for further expansion under programs like PM Surya Ghar Yojana. While the modules produced from this factory are a part of the Government's Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), the company is confident that its high-quality cells will also make it to the ALMM list for cells, expected to be announced by the Government soon.

The solar cells and modules produced at the Tamil Nadu facility will initially cater to the company's ongoing projects, further strengthening its supply chain. With an eye on future expansion, Tata Power also plans to explore opportunities for wider market distribution.

In addition to the Tirunelveli plant, the company also operates a world-class manufacturing facility established in 1992 in Bengaluru, Karnataka. This facility, equipped with cutting-edge technology, has a production capacity of 682 MW for solar modules and 530 MW for solar cells. To date, it has supplied a total of 3.73 GW of solar modules and 2.26 GW of solar cells.

As a pioneer in the energy sector, Tata Power is playing an important role in building a sustainable and self-reliant India. The company's commitment to expanding its clean and green energy capacity is evident in its ambitious targets. Tata Power aims to increase its renewable energy portfolio from 41% to 70% by 2030, positioning itself as a key player in the global energy transition.

In An India's 1st, Tamil Nadu Drafting State's Deep Tech Policy, Says State's IT Minister

Hon’ble Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan Brainstorms with Industry Leaders to Nurture Startup Innovation in Emerging & Deep Tech Sectors

Tamil Nadu Technology Hub functioning under the Information Technology & Digital Services (IT&DS) Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, hosted the iTNT Industry Conclave in Chennai on Friday (September 6). Hon’ble Minister for IT&DS, Tamil Nadu, Dr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan was the chief guest of the conclave that highlighted the role of Corporates in nurturing innovation in the Emerging & Deep Tech space.

(Left - Right) Ms. Vanitha Venugopal, CEO of iTNT Hub; Hon’ble Minister for IT&DS, Tamil Nadu, Dr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan; Thiru. Kumar Jayant, I.A.S., Additional Chief Secretary to Government, IT&DS Department

“Innovate in Tamil Nadu (IN2TN) is our new mantra. It is more than just a slogan; it is a strategic call to action. It encapsulates our commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the State,” Dr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan said. Innovation and startups are pivotal to realizing our Hon’ble Chief Minister’s ambitious vision of propelling Tamil Nadu towards a trillion-dollar economy.

To support this journey, that State is in the process of drafting the Tamil Nadu Deep Tech Policy – the first of its kind in the country, he added. Stating that industries can play a crucial role in shaping the future of innovation in Tamil Nadu, he urged industries to industry partners to deepen their engagement with iTNT Hub through strategic partnerships and CSR contributions.

The hon’ble minister also gave away cheques for cash prizes to the tune of Rs. 4.5 Lakh to the winners of the top three places of the iTNT “Unlock The Future Innovation Challenge”. The challenge attracted more than 500 teams of startups, innovators and aspirants from the emerging and deep tech space across the State. The applications were scrutinised by a panel of subject matter and industry experts and the top 10 teams pitched before an expert jury after a series of training sessions.

Healthcare startup Vyuhaa Med Data won the prize for their solution on AI & IoT for Real-time Data Analysis and Decision Making. Sustainability startup Daijo won the prize for their solution on Resource Consumption Reduction, while Climate Tech startup Climatequant Tech emerged winner for their Supply Chain Transparency & Efficiency solution. “We have chalked out a strategy to take these winning solutions into deep tech enterprises,” said Additional Chief Secretary - IT&DS Department, Thiru. Kumar Jayant, I.A.S.

Earlier that evening, a curtain-raiser roundtable on the “Tamil Nadu Deep Tech Policy” was chaired by Thiru. Kumar Jayant, I.A.S., Additional Chief Secretary to Government, IT&DS Department, and co-chaired by Ms. Vanitha Venugopal, CEO of iTNT Hub. Industry and subject matter experts from the deep tech sectors participated in the discussion for the policy that was announced by the Hon’ble Minister for IT&DS at the Demand for Grants session in the assembly in June.

About iTNT Hub

Tamil Nadu Technology Hub (iTNT Hub) was established by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India; and Information Technology and Digital Services Department, Government of Tamil Nadu; along with industry support. The Hub was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Thiru. M.K. Stalin in May 2023, and is functioning from the 3rd Floor of Sir C V Raman Science Block, Anna University Campus, Kotturpuram, Chennai. iTNT Hub is building a first-of-its-kind Deep Tech Innovation Network by leveraging the combined strengths of the Startups, Innovators, Researchers, Incubators, Academia, Government, and International Partners to propel transformative global innovation.

The Hub’s sectors in focus include Artificial Intelligence, IoT, Space Tech, Robotics Healthcare, Cyber Security, Creative Tech, and High Value SaaS. In addition to incubating, accelerating and facilitating Startups, and co-incubating those incubated by Deep Tech incubators across Tamil Nadu, iTNT Hub is also taking strides to accelerate innovation and investment in the target sectors. In his budget demand session, the Hon’ble Minister for IT&DS Dr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan announced that the Government of Tamil Nadu will soon release a Tamil Nadu DeepTech Policy. iTNT Hub will be anchoring this policy which is the first to be announced by any State in India.

Adani Group on Acquisition Spree, Acquires Dubai's Astro and Tamil Nadu's Coastal Energen, FMCG Arm Seeks 3 Brands to Buy

The Adani Group has been on an acquisition spree recently as the Group's three separate portfolio firms has acquired three different companies/projects located across the geographies.

Adani's logistics and port arm, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), has acquired Dubai-based Astro, while the power arm of Gautam Adani promoted group acquired Coastal Energen. The FMCG unit is on a $1 Billion plan for acquiring three brands of the market. In addition to these, Adani Energy Solutions Ltd has acquired the Khavda Phase-IV Part-A transmission project, aimed at evacuating 7 GW of renewable energy from Khavda Renewable Energy park in Gujarat.

Dubai's Astro

Adani Group has acquired Astro, a leading global OSV operator in the Middle East, India, Far East Asia and Africa, which is based out of Dubai. The acquisition will help Adani to expand its international footprint and diversify its business portfolio.

In the end of last week, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) announced that it is acquiring 80% stake in Astro, a global offshore service vehicle operator, in an all-cash deal for $185 million, implying an EV of $235 million and EV/FY25E EBITDA at 4.4x, as per the company press release.

Tamil Nadu's Coastal Energen

In Tamil Nadu, Adani has acquired Coastal Energen, a significant player in the energy sector. This acquisition is expected to bolster Adani's energy production capabilities.

Adani Power Ltd. Consortium, in which Adani Power holds 49% stake, has completed the acquisition of Tamil Nadu-based Coastal Energen Pvt. for Rs 3,330.88 crore. This acquisition was part of a resolution plan approved by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). Coastal Energen owns and operates a 1,200 MW thermal power plant in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, which supplies 558 MW to the state distribution company, TANGEDCO, under a long-term power purchase agreement.

Khavda Renewable Energy Project

In a separate acquisition, which is of a project rather than a company, Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL), formerly Adani Transmission, has been awarded the project to develop a 7 GW renewable energy evacuation transmission network in Khavda, Gujarat. This project is part of the Khavda Phase IV Part-A transmission initiative and aims to support the evacuation of renewable energy from the Khavda Renewable Energy Park, which is the world’s largest renewable energy park with a planned generation capacity of 30 GW.

The $1 Billion FMCG Buying Plan

Adani's FMCG Arm, Adani Wilmar, is actively seeking to acquire three brands to strengthen its market position and expand its product offerings.

Adani Wilmar is planning to invest up to $1 billion to acquire three FMCG brands. These acquisitions are part of their strategy to strengthen their presence in the packaged consumer goods market, particularly in the eastern and southern regions of India. The targeted brands specialize in spices, packaged foods, and ready-to-cook products.

These strategic acquisitions are part of Adani Group's broader plan to enhance its presence across various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, and consumer goods.

The acquisition of Coastal Energen and other energy assets has bolstered Adani’s market share in the energy sector, further solidifying its position as a leading energy producer.

Overall, these acquisitions have been seen as strategic moves to diversify and strengthen Adani’s business portfolio, which has generally been met with a positive response from the market.

Despite some controversies, such as the Hindenburg report, the Adani Group has managed to maintain investor confidence by emphasizing the robust health of its underlying assets. This has been reflected in the steady performance of its stocks.

Applied Materials to Ink Deal with Tamil Nadu Govt to Establish CoE

Applied Materials is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tamil Nadu government to establish an advanced AI-enabled Center of Excellence (CoE) in Chennai.

Applied Materials, Inc. is a leading American corporation specializing in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world.

The signing of the deal will take place in San Francisco, with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Dr. Prabu Raja, President of the Semiconductor Products Group at Applied Materials, in attendance.

This Center aims to bolster the semiconductor ecosystem in Tamil Nadu by collaborating with local universities and industry partners. It will focus on semiconductor manufacturing and equipment, and is expected to create over 500 technical jobs in the state.

This initiative is part of Tamil Nadu's broader strategy to become a leading hub for semiconductor manufacturing and to support India's goal of achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

The Center of Excellence will work closely with universities to advance research in AI, machine learning, and data science specifically for semiconductor manufacturing. By partnering with academic institutions, Applied Materials aims to cultivate a skilled workforce that is well-versed in the latest technologies and methodologies in semiconductor manufacturing.

Notably, Applied Materials has a significant presence in India, playing a crucial role in the country’s semiconductor, display, and solar manufacturing ecosystems. The US company was established in India in 2002 and has offices in Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Mumbai, and Pune.

Applied Materials' India center is integral to the company’s global IT infrastructure, offering digital solutions, services, and hosting the company’s second-largest data center.

Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Santa Clara, California, Applied Materials plays a crucial role in the semiconductor, flat panel display, and solar photovoltaic (PV) industries.

The company operates worldwide, with significant contributions to the semiconductor industry in various countries, including the U.S., Japan, and China. As of 2023, the company reported revenues of approximately $26.52 billion, with a net income of $6.856 billion. 

Zoho Opens 1st Dedicated Factory to Assemble Karuvi Line of Power Tools

Zoho, the cloud software major, has just announced its significant step of opening its first dedicated factory to assemble the Karuvi line of power tools. This factory is situated in the Tenkasi district of Tamil Nadu, India.

The move is part of Zoho's ongoing efforts to build deep-tech know-how and manufacturing capabilities within the country.

The Karuvi products, which include tools like drills, power saws, and angle grinders, are manufactured with around 95% locally sourced components. This initiative not only promotes innovation but also creates jobs in smaller towns and villages.

The SaaS company, situated in Tenkasi district in Tamil Nadu, last month announced to invest an undisclosed amount in manufacturing startup Karuvi, which would create jobs in smaller towns and villages.

Zoho CEO and Co-founder Sridhar Vembu announced on X social media platform, saying – "We have trained a group of about 15 talented young people drawn from surrounding villages to work in the factory," adding that this is a small beginning for a big dream in rural manufacturing."

Karuvi is an upcoming mechatronics startup founded by Lee Jackson and Abdul Gafoor, and has recently made waves in the manufacturing industry. Lee Jackson is one of the founders and directors of the company, while Abdul Gafoor, founder of Mr. Light Global, played a key role in the inception of Karuvi.

The startup specializes in power tools. They have already launched 10 tools, including drills, power saws, and angle grinders. These products are manufactured using around 95% locally sourced components. The startup plans to expand its portfolio and introduce at least 30 products by the end of 2025.

By focusing on rural manufacturing, Karuvi is not only innovating but also bringing technical skill sets to smaller communities. It's a small beginning with big potential for rural job creation and skill development.

Zoho Invests in Drone Tech Startup Yali Aerospace

Sridhar Vembu promoted SaaS company Zoho Corporation has recently invested in Yali Aerospace, a Tamil Nadu-based drone technology startup. Yali Aerospace has developed a fixed-wing drone with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities.

The VTOL drone has range of up to 150 km and can carry a payload of up to 7 kg. The drone has Maximum Speed of 155 km/h. These drones address critical challenges, such as delivering medicines and organs to remote areas efficiently.

India's commercial drone market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.4% from 2020 to 2026. Increased investor interest in the drone space is evident, with recent developments like Google's subsidiary Wing LLC starting drone manufacturing in Tamil Nadu.

Sridhar Vembu, CEO of Zoho, announced the investment, in Yali Aerospace, on X (formerly Twitter). Zoho's investment in Yali Aerospace aligns with India's growing interest in drone technology startups. Yali's innovative solutions caught Zoho's attention, and this investment reflects their commitment to supporting cutting-edge Ventures.

 

Based out of Thanjavur, a city in Tamil Nadu, Yali Aerospace specializes in providing drone solutions for various applications, including – Medical: delivering medical supplies and organs, to remote hospitals using their drones; Surveillance: for monitoring and security purposes; Logistics: Yali's technology facilitates efficient logistics, including transportation of critical resources.

Yali Aerospace, the drone startup, was founded in 2022 by a husband-and-wife team, Dinesh Baluraj and Anugraha Ganeshan, along with Mathuravani. Yali Aerospace aims to build the future of aviation by leveraging cutting-edge technology and beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) experience.

Interestingly, Yali Aerospace offers flagship service called 'Yali Network Bridge', which aims to deliver medical supplies within 20 minutes across India. By establishing a drone-based delivery network, Yali contributes to seamless distribution of vital medical resources, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes.

Additionally, Yali's SkyBase (YNB) serves as a drone hub, connecting hospitals for transporting organs, medical supplies, and automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

Zoho's investment in Yali Aerospace comes at a time when the company is diversifying beyond its core business. Zoho has been investing in areas such as artificial intelligence, data centers, and now, drone technology.

Earlier, Zoho also invested in Saudi Arabia's digital infrastructure development and explored manufacturing hardware devices.

This investment by Zoho underscores the importance of innovation and technology in addressing critical challenges across various sectors. Yali Aerospace's work in the drone domain holds immense promise for healthcare, logistics, and surveillance applications.

US-based First Solar Opens India's 1st Fully Vertically Integrated Solar Manufacturing Plant

First Solar Inaugurates 3.3 GW Manufacturing Facility in India

First Solar, the largest solar panel maker in the US, announced the inauguration of its new facility in Tamil Nadu, India, the country’s first fully vertically integrated solar manufacturing plant.

The newly opened plant is bringing some of the first in the country and the world's as well. Firstly, the facility is home to India’s first solar panel recycling plant, and secondly it is touted as the world’s first net-zero water withdrawal solar factory.

The Minister for Industries, Promotions and Commerce of the Government of Tamil Nadu, Dr T R B Rajaa inaugurated the facility in a ceremony attended by the United States Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, and Scott Nathan, Chief Executive Officer of the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).

The facility has an annual nameplate capacity of 3.3 gigawatts (GW) and directly employs approximately 1,000 people, produces First Solar’s Series 7 photovoltaic (PV) solar modules, which were developed at the company’s research and development centers in the US and optimized for the Indian market.

First Solar is unique among the world’s largest solar manufacturers for being the only US-headquartered company. The company’s tellurium-based semiconductor, which allows it to avoid dependence on Chinese crystalline silicon supply chains, is the second most common photovoltaic technology available today.

Ambassador Eric Garcetti said, “One month ago in Dubai, COP28 participants issued a bold call for the world to transition away from fossil fuels, to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This First Solar production facility will help advance our global transition to cleaner, greener energy, and stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when the United States and India work together – across government and private sectors – to achieve lasting climate action.”

Representing an investment of approximately $700 million, which includes $500 million in previously announced DFC financing, the facility is First Solar’s sixth operational factory and expands the company’s global manufacturing footprint to four countries, including the US, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

“The United States is leveraging American innovation and technology to diversify critical energy supply chains around the world and drive economic growth in India,” said DFC CEO, Scott Nathan. “That’s good for the United States and it’s good for India. This $500 million in financing reflects the increasing strength of our partnership with India – DFC’s largest market and a like-minded partner with a dynamic private sector.”

Since the start of this decade, First Solar has embarked on a $4.1 billion manufacturing expansion strategy that has seen it grow from approximately 6 GW operational in 2020 to over 16 GW global nameplate capacity at the end of 2023. In addition to its India facility, the company also commissioned its third US factory, located in Ohio, in 2023. The company is further growing its footprint in the US with a 0.9 GW expansion of its Ohio manufacturing complex and new factories in the states of Alabama and Louisiana, which are each expected to add 3.5 GW of annual nameplate capacity, once commissioned and ramped. The company expects to have 25 GW of global annual nameplate capacity by 2026.

“The inauguration of this landmark manufacturing facility and the launch of commercial shipments to customers in India is a crucial milestone in our journey to long-term and sustainable growth,” said Mark Widmar, CEO, First Solar. “The speed with which we were able to build and commission this facility is a testament to the policies of India’s Federal and the Tamil Nadu state governments.”

Widmar added, “We are proud of our associates who worked tirelessly to replicate and adapt our advanced solar manufacturing template for India. Thanks to their work, our newest facility doesn’t just set standards for our global manufacturing footprint, but for our industry.”

Earlier this month, First Solar inked a 15-year captive Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Singapore-based Cleantech Solar, under which the later will construct 150 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic (PV) solar and 16.8 MW of wind-generating assets in Tamil Nadu, India, supplying approximately 7.3 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean electricity to First Solar’s new 3.3-gigawatt (GW) vertically integrated solar manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu.

The factory, which is located in an area of high baseline water stress, is believed to be the world’s first net-zero water withdrawal solar manufacturing facility. Designed to minimize its impact on local water resources, the facility will rely entirely on tertiary treated reverse osmosis water from the city's sewage treatment plant and have zero wastewater discharge. Additionally, the factory is home to India’s first solar PV recycling plant. The company pioneered high value solar recycling, which provides closed-loop semiconductor recovery for use in new modules, while also recovering other materials including aluminum, glass, and laminates.

The Series 7 module produced by the new facility is the industry’s most eco-efficient with a carbon and water footprint that is approximately four times lower than crystalline silicon solar panels produced in China. The company’s sustainable manufacturing approach uses 50% less energy and only a third of the water than an equivalent polysilicon module production facility would require.

About First Solar, Inc.

First Solar is a leading American solar technology company and global provider of responsibly produced eco-efficient solar modules advancing the fight against climate change. Developed at R&D labs in California and Ohio, the company’s advanced thin film PV modules represent the next generation of solar technologies, providing a competitive, high-performance, lower-carbon alternative to conventional crystalline silicon PV modules. From raw material sourcing and manufacturing through end-of-life module recycling, First Solar’s approach to technology embodies sustainability and a responsibility towards people and the planet. For more information, please visit www.firstsolar.com.

Adani Group To Invest Over Rs 42,700 Cr In Tamil Nadu

• Adani Green will invest Rs 24,500 crore in three PSP projects in 5-7 years
• Adani Connex will invest Rs 13,200 crore in a hyperscale data centre 
• Ambuja Cements will invest Rs 3,500 crore in three cement grinding units
• Adani Total Gas will invest Rs 1,568 crore in the coming eight years

Ports-to-power conglomerate Adani Group on Monday signed memorandums of understanding (MoU) for investment of over Rs 42,700 crore at the Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024. The biggest investment of Rs 24,500 crore will be made by Adani Green Energy Ltd in three pump storage projects (PSP) in the next 5-7 years.

Adani Connex will invest Rs 13,200 crore in a hyperscale data centre over the coming seven years, while Ambuja Cements will invest Rs 3,500 crore in three cement grinding units in the next five years. Adani Total Gas Ltd will invest Rs 1,568 crore in eight years.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, State Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa and the Managing Director of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Karan Adani were present at the signing of the MoUs, along with Cabinet Ministers and Secretaries of various government departments.

On the signing of the MoUs, Mr. Karan Adani said, “Today’s Tamil Nadu is a standout example of stability, a well-established industrial ecosystem, advanced infrastructure, total connectivity, safe and secure neighbourhoods, business-friendly policies with an able and efficient team of officers, and a diverse and highly-skilled workforce with more women in the ranks than anywhere else in the country!” Referring to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Mr Karan Adani said, “His drive to make Tamil Nadu a socio-economic powerhouse has pulled a growing number of business houses to invest in this state – and the Adani Group is privileged to be one of them.”

The Adani Group’s presence in Tamil Nadu spans a number of rapidly accelerating sectors, including ports and logistics, edible oil, power transmission, city gas distribution, data centres, green energy, and cement manufacturing.

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, its integrated ports and logistics company, is currently operating the Kattupalli and Ennore Ports – and, so far, have invested a total of Rs 3,733 crore in Tiruvallur district. The two ports collectively cater to the hinterland in the Chennai and Sri City regions, and are well-positioned to meet the exim requirements of the region.

Adani Green Energy Ltd will diversify its presence in Tamil Nadu by investing in PSP plants, hydroelectric energy storage systems that use the force of gravity to generate electricity. It is targeting a total capacity of 4,900 MW through facilities in Thenmalai, Alleri and Aliyar. For this clean energy project that will create over 4,400 job opportunities, the Adani Group will invest around Rs 25,000 crore.

The Group operates Chennai’s most advanced data centre, located near the SIPCOT IT park, to meet the data requirements of the state’s well-established IT industry. With 33 MW capacity, the Adani-EdgeConnex data centre is a network neutral facility, powered by renewable energy. It will now be raised to a 200 MW data centre with an investment of Rs 13,200 crore, which will be one of India’s largest single-location investments in digital infrastructure.

Ambuja Cements and ACC had invested Rs 550 crore to build an annual capacity of 1 million tonnes in the state. This is going to be ramped up to a phenomenal 14 million metric tonnes with an investment of Rs 3,500 crore to set up three plants – one in Madukkarai with a capacity of 2 million tonnes, and two each with a capacity of 6 million tonnes in Kattupalli and Tuticorin. The plants will create over 5,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities in their neighbourhoods.

The Group also meets the city gas distribution requirements of Cuddalore and Tiruppur districts through Adani Total Gas. It currently serves over 5,000 homes with piped gas, having laid over 100 km of pipelines with an investment of Rs 180 crore. Adani Total Gas will scale up its investment in Tamil Nadu more than nine-fold to expand its offerings in city gas distribution, liquefied natural gas for mining and trucks, and electric vehicles.

Tata Power Renewable Energy to Set Up 41 MW Captive Solar Plant for TP Solar Upcoming 4.3 GW Solar cell and module Manufacturing Facility in Tamil Nadu

Captive plant to generate 101 million units of electricity a year, offsetting 71,577 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions

Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), a subsidiary of Tata Power Company Limited, will set up a 41 MW captive solar plant at Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu for TP Solar Limited (TP Solar)’s new greenfield 4.3 GW solar cell and module manufacturing facility located at Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. The captive plant will help generate 101 million units of electricity and offset around 72,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

A captive solar power plant refers to a solar power plant that has been implemented by a company for its own consumption.

This captive solar project will be commissioned 12 months from the signing of the Project Development Agreement (PDA). TPREL has established TP Govardhan Creatives Limited, a specialized entity entrusted with the development, operation, and upkeep of this facility for TP Solar. TP Solar’s manufacturing plant is expected to start commercial production of cells and modules by FY 24-25. TP Solar Ltd., is a subsidiary of Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited.

With this new captive solar plant, TPREL’s total capacity will expand to 7,877 MW including 3,720 MW of projects at different stages of implementation, and an operational capacity of 4,157 MW, comprising 3,154 MW solar energy and 1,003 MW wind energy.

Mr. Ashish Khanna, CEO, TPREL, said, “Green energy supply to our state-of-the-art 4.3 GW solar cell and module manufacturing facility from the captive solar plant is a shining example of our commitment to a sustainable transition to green energy. This arrangement will act as a model for all the upcoming solar component manufacturing facilities to source green energy for their production and the resulting domino effect will significantly contribute towards the country’s ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by the end of this decade.”

Fintech On-Premise AI startup HaiVE Submits Proposal to Form Tamil Nadu Artificial Intelligence Alliance to the Secretary of State for IT

• HaiVE will be working with key executives from office of Secretary of Information Technology for the state as well as TN eGovernance to construct the principle framework of the AI standards body
• The principle framework will influence and arm the government in policing AI’s unchecked adoption

HaiVE, an on-premise AI Startup, has announced that the Tamil Nadu government has accepted its proposal for an AI standards body – Tamil Nadu Artificial Intelligence Alliance. Thiru J. Kumaragurubaran, IAS secretary of Information Technology, Tamil Nadu government, termed HaiVE’s proposal promising.

Deepika Loganathan, Co-Founder & CEO of HaiVE submitting a proposal for formation of a standards body for AI to Thiru J

The startup is tasked to develop the principle framework for the AI standards body, which will be crucial in influencing and enabling the government to police AI’s unchecked adoption. The AI Startup will also work with TN eGovernance for the same. HaiVE has identified some enormous pitfalls in AI adoption, like unethical usage, lack of accountability, generative data concerns, inefficiency and maliciousness. Hence, the company is rightly positioned to work with the government and contribute to a meaningful certification structure for AI in the coming months.

Deepika Loganathan, Co-Founder & CEO of HaiVE, said, “Electricity and cooking gas are hugely dangerous items on their own, yet they have contributed significantly to the growth of our country. It is because every aspect of these items, from generation and transport to retail and end-user facilities, are met with a standards structure the government executives created by working with industry insiders and third-party consultants. Similarly, we hope to leverage our wide spectrum of experience working with clients ranging from banks to startups in AI to help the Tamil Nadu government create a standards framework for AI, giving it the respect as an essential but dangerous yet ubiquitous utility of the future.”

HaiVE is a Singapore-headquartered AI company with an R&D team in Tamil Nadu that offers on-premise business-specific tuned AI solutions to clients in Australia and India. The startup is also working to build a similar advisory relationship with the government of Australia.

About HaiVE.Tech

HaiVE is a Singapore headquartered, AI company with R&D Team in Tamil Nadu. They offer On-Premise business-specific tuned AI solutions for FinTech clients in Australia and India. Founded by Deepika Loganathan and Aravinth Ramesh in 2023, they aim to help companies adapt AI while still providing complete control and IP rights of the intelligence and data generated, instead of using famous 3rd party AI services.

Katupalli Port, Part of Adani Ports, Procures Electric Vehicles ITVs

Kattupalli port located in Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu and a part of Adani Ports, has  announced that it had procured 5 numbers of Electric Internal Terminal Vehicles (ITVs) which will be commissioned shortly. Over a period of time, the entire fleet of ITVs will be replaced by electric ITVs.

Katupalli Port, has procured these electric Internal Terminal Vehicles (ITVs) for deployment for Container Operations. These ITVs are battery operated and have much lesser parts than a diesel trailer. Battery of these ITVs can be charged using fast chargers through grid as well as through renewable sources of energy – solar, wind etc. Earlier, for the Container movement within the port, vessel to yard or vice versa, and Container Freight Station (CFS) operations, were serviced by diesel run ITVs. 

The purpose of introducing Electric ITVs is to boost efficiency, with the plan being to introduce autonomous vehicles and related technologies into the ports daily operations with the goal to further increase the overall efficiency of the terminal, in line with Adani Ports’ ambition of transitioning to Carbon Neutral Operations.

Adani Ports & SEZ, being aware of its environmental responsibilities, has taken several process improvement and technology integration initiatives to reduce impact on the environment. This has been achieved by improving process efficiencies, investing in electrification of port infrastructure, and setting up renewable energy plants wherever feasible. Transitioning to clean energy is the key to minimize the environmental impact and pave the road towards a carbon neutral future.

From a perspective of reduction of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions, it is envisaged that there would be approximately annual reduction of around 8.6 MT in CO2 emission and 487.7 GJ in energy consumption per ITV.

Recently, India gets promoted to rank 8th  from last year's rank of 10 in the latest Climate Change Performance Index report. This ranking has been given to India on the basis of its low emissions and increasing use of renewable energy.