Tata Power Plans 10 GW Ingots & Wafers Facility in Odisha

Ingots and wafers are key raw materials used in the production of solar cells and modules, as well as semiconductor chips.

Tata Power, which currently has 4.55 GW of cell and module manufacturing capacity, aims to backward integrate ingots and wafers into its solar cell and panel production for both domestic use and export markets.

“Tata Power is evaluating two possible locations-Gopalpur and Cuttack-for its ingots and wafers facility. Both locations offer proximity to the port,” said a person aware of the discussions, adding that the project remains at a preliminary stage.

In Gopalpur, Tata Steel Special Economic Zone is developing the Gopalpur Industrial Park on the eastern coast.

Tata Power declined to comment. Praveer Sinha, CEO & Managing Director of Tata Power, had said on November 11 that the company plans to set up a 10 GW ingots and wafers facility and is in the process of finalising a location.

“Tata Power believes there will be enough supply of cells and modules, given the demand-supply scenario in the country. Hence, the decision to backward integrate will help meet not just its own requirements, but also the industry’s,” said an industry executive aware of the plan.

Tata Power currently operates 4.55 GW of cell and module capacity-4.3 GW in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, and 250 MW in Bengaluru.

As of October 2025, Tata Power’s utility-scale capacity stood at 5.7 GW (4.7 GW solar and 1 GW wind). It is targeting 33 GW by FY30. The company is also evaluating a few sites for a potential nuclear power foray. Its coal-fired generation capacity stands at 8.86 GW.

Indian solar cell and module makers continue to import polysilicon, ingots and wafers due to limited domestic manufacturing capacity, raising production costs.

While India’s import dependence for modules has declined to 65-70% from 88% in 2015, domestic manufacturing remains insufficient to meet demand.

Solar developers still rely heavily on imported modules, with China accounting for nearly 80% of India’s module imports, followed by Hong Kong and Malaysia.

To reduce these vulnerabilities, the Government of India has introduced multiple measures, including the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on imports, and the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) framework to boost domestic manufacturing and ensure quality. In August 2025, India crossed 100 GW of ALMM-listed solar PV module manufacturing capacity.