Amaravati Set to Become World's First 100% Renewable Energy Capital City

Amravati (The Uttam Hindu): Amaravati, the upcoming capital of Andhra Pradesh, is on the path to making global history by becoming the world’s first city fully powered by renewable energy. Envisioned as an ultra-modern, environmentally sustainable "people’s capital," the city’s master plan includes harnessing a massive 2,700 megawatts (MW) of clean energy from sources like solar, wind, and hydropower.

Set on the banks of the Krishna River, the greenfield capital project spans 217 square kilometers, forming part of the larger Andhra Pradesh Capital Region, which covers over 8,300 sq km. The foundation stone for this visionary project is expected to be laid this month.

Amaravati is not just a showcase of advanced urban planning, but also a bold step in India’s climate action strategy. By integrating smart infrastructure and renewable energy into its core, the city is poised to set a new global benchmark for sustainability. Officials stated that by 2050, Amaravati’s power demand is projected to reach 2.7 gigawatts, with at least 30% met through green sources.

A major push toward solar energy includes mandating rooftop solar installations on all government housing projects, covering at least one-third of the roof area. Commercial and government buildings across Amaravati will also be required to install solar systems and adopt net metering.

Public transport will follow suit, with electric buses and the Amaravati Metro running entirely on renewable energy. Plans are underway to install widespread EV charging infrastructure for both public and official use. Additionally, solar panels will be utilized in parks, walkways, and bus depots to further harness green energy.

Currently, rooftop solar panels generating 415 kW have already been installed across 16 Anganwadis, 14 e-health centers, 13 public schools, and a multi-faith funeral center.

To address the region’s intense heat — with temperatures hitting 47.7°C in 2024 — Amaravati’s planners are also prioritizing cooling solutions. A district cooling system, the first of its kind under a public-private partnership in India, is being developed for the government complex. It will reduce power consumption by up to 50% for cooling key buildings such as the High Court and Secretariat.

This innovative system not only cuts energy use but also significantly reduces the city’s carbon footprint — a critical step as Andhra Pradesh’s peak power demand is expected to surge by 57% to 19.9 GW by 2029.

Amaravati stands as a future-ready capital, balancing modern urban growth with strong commitments to sustainability, climate resilience, and green innovation — a true model for cities of tomorrow.