Saatvik Solar Industries has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Ltd (IPICOL) to set up a 3.6 GW solar cell manufacturing facility at Gopalpur in Ganjam district, the company and state agency said on Monday. The planned Phase II expansion will be developed alongside the company’s existing integrated plant at the same site.
Expansion builds on Phase I progress
The additional cell capacity will complement Saatvik’s ongoing Phase I operations at Gopalpur, where the company is developing 2.4 GW of cell and 4 GW of module manufacturing lines. Company updates indicate that major construction and infrastructure works for Phase I have been completed, with equipment installation, testing and validation in progress.
Power infrastructure milestones at the site have been reached: a dedicated 220 kV substation at Gopalpur is reported to be ready for charging. Manufacturing lines are in the final stages of installation and process readiness, and the 2.4 GW cell line is expected to ramp up shortly. An inspection under the second phase of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM-II) is planned for September, bringing the facility closer to full-scale commercialisation.
Timing and local impact
Saatvik has set a target of commercial production of Phase II by FY28. The company said the expansion is intended to strengthen integration across its manufacturing footprint and improve its ability to meet growing demand for domestically produced solar cells and modules.
The project is expected to contribute to the region’s industrial ecosystem and create employment opportunities locally, according to company and government statements. The plant’s development at the Gopalpur industrial area reinforces Odisha’s strategy to attract renewable energy manufacturing investment.
"As our 2.4 GW cell and 4 GW module manufacturing lines move towards production, we are taking a decisive step towards building scale, strengthening integration and creating the foundation for our next phase of robust growth," said Prashant Mathur, CEO, Saatvik Green Energy Ltd.
What the MoU covers
The MoU between Saatvik Solar and IPICOL covers the setting up of the additional 3.6 GW cell manufacturing facility at Gopalpur. While specific financial terms, land area and a concrete jobs figure were not disclosed in the announcement, the agreement formalises the company’s intention to expand manufacturing capacity in Odisha and to proceed with detailed project planning and approvals.
- Project site: Gopalpur, Ganjam district, Odisha
- Phase I capacity (ongoing): 2.4 GW cell, 4 GW module
- Phase II planned capacity: 3.6 GW cell
- Power milestone: 220 kV substation ready for charging
- Regulatory step: ALMM-II inspection for Phase I scheduled in September
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Phase I | 2.4 GW cell, 4 GW module; installation and testing underway |
| Phase II | 3.6 GW cell; MoU signed with IPICOL, target FY28 |
| Power | Dedicated 220 kV substation ready |
| Regulatory | ALMM-II inspection planned for September |
Context for Odisha
Odisha has been courting renewable energy manufacturing projects to build a domestic supply chain for photovoltaic products. The development at Gopalpur adds to a string of investments aimed at positioning the state as a manufacturing hub for solar cells and modules.
For local authorities and residents, the priority as construction moves forward will be to ensure that infrastructure upgrades—particularly power evacuation, road access and labour housing—keep pace with factory commissioning. Proper coordination with state agencies will be required during the ramp-up to minimise disruption and to secure timely clearances.
Practical note for local stakeholders
Residents and businesses in and around Gopalpur should expect increased construction traffic and activity as equipment installation and testing advance. Local contractors and job-seekers may find opportunities in supporting works; municipal and district offices will provide information on permits, traffic diversions and safety advisories where applicable.
The MoU marks a significant step in extending Odisha’s renewable manufacturing base. With Phase I nearing operational readiness and Phase II already under formal agreement, the Gopalpur site will be an important location to watch for industrial growth and employment in the coming quarters.
