MAY 20258RENEW POWER TO INVEST RS 22,000 CR IN ANDHRA PRADESH'S RENEWABLE PROJECTSINDIA RESPONDS TO US METAL TARIFFS WITH WTO RETALIATION STRATEGYReNew Power's Rs 22,000 crore investment plan to launch the country's biggest renewable energy complex in Andhra Pradesh is indicative of a strong revival in environmental energy development in the state. In Anantapur, the project will begin with two phases centered around a 1,800 MW solar plant, a 1,000 MW wind project, and a 2 GWh battery energy storage system.India has initiated retaliatory tariffs on a number of American products at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) opposing the US safeguard duties on steel and aluminium. This move demonstrates the aggressive position New Delhi has to take in safeguarding its metal exports, an important niche in the industrial base of India.Under Phase I, ReNew Power will install 587 MW of solar capacity alongside a 250.8 MW wind project, complemented by a 415 MWh BESS. Subsequent phases will complete the remaining capacity, ensuring a robust portfolio of clean power assets. To transmit the output, the company will also construct a 100-kilometre extra-high voltage (EHV) line, enhancing grid connectivity and stability.This would be the largest renewable energy complex in India. The project's size reflects ReNew Power's dedication to India's energy transition and is consistent with the integrated clean energy policy launched by the Andhra Pradesh government in October 2024. Intended to invite major private investments, the policy framework includes both attractive tariffs and rapid approval processes, which are helping to restore growth in the state's renewable energy sector after a period of inactivity.ReNew Power's return follows a period of stalled capacity additions from 2019 to 2024, when the previous state administration's review of power purchase agreements had put 5.2 GW of solar and wind projects at risk. The renewed collaboration with the government led by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu reflects growing investor confidence and sets a new benchmark for renewable infrastructure in India. Groundbreaking attendees will include Nara Lokesh, Andhra Pradesh's Minister for IT, Electronics, Communications, and HR Development, highlighting the project's high-profile significance. India told the WTO, "The safeguard measures would affect $7.6 billion imports into the US of the relevant products originating in India, on which the duty collection would be $1.91 billion." The proposed response will be suspension of concessions and levying additional tariffs on some US origin products.The dispute started with the US announcement on March 8, 2018, to impose 25% tariffs on steel and 10% tariffs on aluminium, based on national security concerns. Revised on February 10, 2025, the measures remain contentious. India claims the US failed to notify the WTO Committee on Safeguards and is now seeking consultations with Washington. "It is a rebalancing of the concessions lost due to the safeguard measure imposed by the US. India is authorised under the Agreement on Safeguards (AoS) to take this measure," said an official.India maintains that the US actions are inconsistent with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994 and the AoS. "India reserves the right to withdraw, modify, supplement or replace this notification, and/or make a further notification or notifications as and when required," it added. The development comes as India and the US pursue a Bilateral Trade Agreement, aiming to double trade to $500 billion by 2030. TOP STORIES
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