Gujarat-based Grew Energy is set to host approximately 40 engineers from China to train its workforce for a new solar cell manufacturing plant in Madhya Pradesh. This move, involving an investment of around ₹5,600 crore for 8 GW capacity, is a strategic step towards India's self-reliance in the solar ecosystem, addressing technological gaps and geopolitical complexities. Indian engineers are also being sent to China for hands-on experience to reduce future dependency.
Grew Energy is welcoming nearly 40 engineers from China to India to help set up and commission its new solar cell manufacturing facility in Madhya Pradesh. This move comes as global tensions make direct partnerships with Chinese firms difficult, even though China leads in advanced solar plant technology. Chinese equipment makers are supporting this knowledge transfer by sending engineers to install and operate the advanced machinery.
Ambitious Expansion in Madhya Pradesh
The company broke ground in April 2025 on a 60-acre site in Narmadapuram, near Bhopal, for an 8 GW solar cell manufacturing complex. The project is in phases: Phase 1 is a 3 GW cell plant costing ₹2,000 crore, aiming for trial runs by April 2026. Phase 2 will add 5 GW capacity for about ₹3,600 crore, expected to be operational by March 2027. The engineers, from Suzhou, a major solar equipment center, are contracted for about two years. Their role is to ensure production lines meet industry standards and train local staff.
Grew Energy Plans Upstream Manufacturing
Grew Energy is also planning to build upstream ingot and wafer manufacturing facilities in Narmadapuram. This move upstream is vital as India rebuilds its solar supply chain, partly due to the ALMM list requirements. The company is acquiring an extra 65 acres for a 3 GW ingot and wafer plant, an initial investment of ₹1,800 crore, expected by the second quarter of next fiscal year. Meanwhile, Grew Energy is sending 18 Indian engineers to China for hands-on training to gain essential skills and reduce long-term dependence on foreign expertise.
Financing and Supply Chain Details
The expansion will be funded through a mix of equity and debt. For the ₹5,600 crore cell project, Phase 1 funding uses a 70:30 debt-to-equity ratio. Debt is coming from the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), and equity from the Chiripal family and other investors. Phase 2 funding involves ₹1,050 crore from institutions such as Bay Capital Investment Advisors, with debt financing nearly confirmed. Even as it builds domestic capacity, Grew Energy currently imports about 5.6 GW of solar cells from China and Southeast Asia.
