Noida’s Sector 8D Set to Become a Major Renewable Energy Manufacturing Hub
The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has issued a Letter of Intent (LoI) to the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group (RPSG) for a massive 3 gigawatt (GW) solar cell manufacturing and integrated ecosystem hub in Sector 8D, Noida, near the Noida International Airport.
The ambitious project will spread across 100 acres and include a 60-megawatt captive solar plus energy storage plant, representing a proposed investment of Rs 3,000 crore.
Key Highlights
- 3 GW solar cell production capacity, making it one of the largest such hubs in India.
- Deployment of advanced solar technologies such as TOPCon and Perovskite-Tandem cells designed to improve efficiency above 28-30%.
- Expected power cost reduction by 10-15%, decreasing India’s dependence on imported solar modules which currently account for nearly 90% of supply.
- Creation of over 5,000 direct and indirect jobs, fostering skill development in renewable energy and semiconductor technologies.
Expert Insight
A YEIDA official detailed the strategic importance:
“With multiple investments from leading companies, Sector 8 is rapidly emerging as Uttar Pradesh’s solar and renewable manufacturing hub, shaping India’s energy independence and industrial future.”
Broader Regional Context
This project marks the third major investment in solar energy manufacturing in the region this year. Earlier, SAEL Solar received approval for a Rs 8,200 crore plant with capacity for 5 GW cells and 5 GW modules. Integrated Batteries India (IB Solar) was allotted 25 acres for a 4 GW cell manufacturing facility.
Additional Industrial Developments
YEIDA also issued an LoI to Minda Corporation Limited to set up a Rs 500 crore wiring harness manufacturing unit on 22 acres in Sector 10. This facility aims at the rapidly growing automotive sector, including electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Its projected employment impact includes 2,200 direct jobs and over 5,000 indirect jobs.
Minda’s continued partnerships with Korea’s Daesung and India’s Loconav reflect the region’s growing importance in automotive components.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The RPSG solar park is poised to galvanize the local economy by providing sustainable jobs and enhancing technological capabilities. The integration of energy storage systems also promises a reliable, efficient power supply, critical for steady operations and future expansion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group’s solar park proposal?
RPSG plans to develop a 3 gigawatt solar cell manufacturing park with a 60 megawatt captive solar and energy storage plant in Noida’s Sector 8D, investing Rs 3,000 crore.
What technology will the solar park use?
The project will use advanced solar cell technologies including TOPCon and Perovskite-Tandem cells, designed to improve efficiency and cut power costs by 10-15%.
How many jobs will the solar park create?
The solar park is expected to generate over 5,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities in the region.
How does this project fit into Uttar Pradesh’s renewable goals?
Alongside recent solar manufacturing investments, this project helps establish Sector 8 as a leading solar and renewable technology manufacturing hub contributing to India’s energy independence.
What is the additional industrial activity near the solar park?
YEIDA also issued an LoI to Minda Corporation Limited to set up a Rs 500 crore wiring harness manufacturing facility supporting the automotive and EV sectors in Sector 10, creating thousands of jobs.