Today, the first phase of the 10 MW Azure solar power plant was officially inaugurated by Honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Narendra Modi, at Khadoda village, Sabarkantha district in the State. This marks a giant step towards realizing Gujarat’s vision of leading India’s adoption of solar power. The Gujarat Solar Policy, which aims at exploiting the robust solar radiation levels in the State, is driving the adoption of solar power as a key component of the renewable energy mix in the State. Mr. Saurabhbhai Patel, Minster of Energy and Industry, Government of Gujarat, Mr. D. J. Pandian, Principal Secretary, Department of Energy and Petrochemicals, Government of Gujarat and Mr H S Wadhwa, Chairman, Azure Power, and Mr. Inderpreet Wadhwa, CEO, Azure Power were present on the occasion.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Shri Narendrabhai Modi, Honorable Chief Minister of Gujarat said, “Earlier some people even from this district of Sabarkantha might not know the name of this location Village Khadoda, but with establishment of this solar power plant, this village has found its place on the world energy map. Going forward, Gujarat is commited to establish 100 MW Capacity of Solar Power in next six months. At the same time, state will also focus on solar energy related research, as it will not only protect the natural resources through use of clean energy, but also create over one lakh new jobs” .

Hailing state’s initiative for green energy, the Chief Minster added, “ Gujarat contributes 50% to the total income generated through sale of carbon credits in India”.

Earlier in his address, Mr. Saurabhbhai Patel, Honorable Minister for Energy and Petrochemicals, Government of Gujarat said,” With effective energy management, Gujarat has made available ‘round-the-clock’ power supply in all of its cities, towns and villages too. This is uncommon anywhere else in the country. Now, with effective policy & equally effective implementation, the state will ensure maximum electricity generation through renewable energy sources”

Hailing Gujarat for its initiatives in Solar energy space, Ms. Anita George, Director-Infrastructure, IFC said, “It is not a coincident that this plant has been set up here. But, it is the availability of the best solar insulation and progressive government and regulatory framework that work. Gujarat is on its way to become world capital of Solar Energy”. She also informed that IFC is mulling over an investment of Rs 450 Crore in Gujarat to create 100 MW capacity of Solar power generation. When Azure Power approached IFC for funding to its projects, most of the committee members were not sure since it was a new company with big dreams. But now, it has commissioned its second solar power plant in INDIA, which is the largest one and remarkable.”

In his welcome speech, Mr H S Wadhwa, Chairman, Azure Power said, “Our Company was incorporated just two years ago, but it is slated to become no. 1 in Solar energy segment in days to come. We would not have been able to achieve this successful execution of the plant without the extensive support extended by the state government, after signing the MoU in Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2009.”

The Azure solar power plant in Khadoda is one of the largest utility-scale solar power plants in the country. Today, the plant was connected to the Gujarat State Electricity Board grid, and will benefit over 100,000 people living in Gujarat’s villages and will reduce carbon emissions of up to 15000 metric tonnes. With this project, Azure completes investments of INR 300 crores in solar power plants across the country.

On the sidelines of Mr. D. J. Pandian, Principal Secretary, Department of Energy and Petrochemicals, Government of Gujarat said, “We are glad to be commissioning the Phase I of the 10 MW of the Azure Power project today. We encourage more active participation from investors and power producers in the renewable sector.”

Talking about the project Mr. Inderpreet Wadhwa, CEO, Azure Power said, “This is a great example of US investment in clean technology in India. We have received tremendous support in the realization of this project, from the representatives of the State, especially Department of Energy and Petrochemicals. Right from facilitation of land for the project to speedy clearances, Gujarat is a prime example of how to combine execution with vision. Also, the cooperation from local communities has been excellent. Azure believes that distributed solar power is the best way to electrify Indian villages and we will continue to strive towards making a big contribution in this area. ”.

The Azure Power solar plant set up over 60 acres of community land is now generating more reliable power and income for the community. Azure Power’s project in Khadoda has helped stimulate the local economy by utilizing innovative construction techniques, procuring goods and services from local Indian suppliers, in the process promoting domestic manufacturing. Azure Power has employed team members and service providers from the local community near the project site thus creating employment opportunities locally. In a bid to give back to the community Azure Power has organized safety training programs for laborers and also conducted community awareness programs which has helped educate the villagers about the benefits of solar power and related technology.

Azure Power has a project under every Solar Policy in the country. In addition to Gujarat, Azure Power has inked agreements with State Governments of Punjab and Rajasthan. Ongoing talks with other State Governments will take this total generating capacity to a combined production of 100 MW solar power by 2014 with cumulative investment of INR 1500 Crs.

About Azure Power:

Azure Power is an independent solar power producer and the first private sector company to implement a megawatt scale grid connected solar photovoltaic power plant in India. Azure Power’s team has decades of experience building industry-leading companies, executing complex infrastructure projects, and financing high-growth enterprises. Azure Power creates innovative solutions to deliver solar energy to its utility, government, and commercial customers. By providing solar energy as a service, Azure Power manages the entire project process for customers, reducing the upfront and ongoing operational and management costs. For more information please visit

Modi’s interaction with media