As cities worldwide race to fight climate change and reduce carbon emissions, one ambitious project in India is grabbing global attention. Amaravati, the under-construction capital of Andhra Pradesh, is well on its way to becoming the first city in the world entirely powered by renewable energy.
This is more than a leap toward sustainability—it’s a global blueprint for how cities can balance rapid urbanization with environmental responsibility.
🌱 A City Designed for the Future
After the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and the creation of Telangana in 2014, Amaravati was envisioned as a symbol of modern India—a smart, sustainable capital situated on the banks of the Krishna River, between Vijayawada and Guntur.
From its inception, the city has been planned around eco-conscious principles. According to a Times of India report, Amaravati is poised to run entirely on renewable energy by tapping into solar, wind, and hydropower sources.
⚡ How Amaravati Plans to Go 100% Green
Renewable Energy Goal: The city aims to generate more than 2,700 MW of clean power, primarily from solar and wind energy, supported by hydroelectric resources from the Krishna River.
Solar Rooftops: All government buildings will feature mandatory rooftop solar panels, with future incentives planned for private residences and commercial structures.
Wind & Hydro Integration: Inland wind turbines and micro-hydropower projects will complement solar efforts, creating a multi-source renewable grid.
Smart Grid Tech: Energy-efficient grids and storage solutions will help balance loads and provide uninterrupted clean power to all zones.
🤝 Public-Private Partnerships Fueling Growth
In a major push to achieve its green vision, Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Andhra Pradesh government in March 2025. The deal focuses on the development of up to 7,000 MW of renewable projects, including solar parks, wind farms, and hybrid solutions. Source
This collaboration is crucial not just for Amaravati, but also for boosting Andhra Pradesh’s clean energy credentials and attracting global investment.
🏙️ Smart Urban Design & Sustainability in Action
Amaravati is not just about renewable power—it’s about reimagining how a city can live in harmony with nature. Here’s how:
Green Buildings: All public buildings must meet LEED or GRIHA certification standards.
Sustainable Transport: Plans include electric public buses, bicycle-friendly infrastructure, and pedestrian-first zones.
Eco Infrastructure: Features like bio-retention ponds, underground waste bins, and smart streetlights are being incorporated.
Green Spaces: The city will host a massive 250-acre central park, 5 km of canal frontage, and a 1 km riverfront zone for recreation.
💼 Jobs, Economy, and Social Equity
Sustainable cities are not just good for the planet—they’re good for people.
Job Creation: Thousands of jobs will be created in green construction, solar tech, urban farming, and infrastructure maintenance.
Affordable Housing: Low-income residents will have access to solar-powered affordable housing, closing the gap between growth and inclusion.
Skill Development: Amaravati’s model includes training programs for youth and women in green tech, energy systems, and sustainability management.
🚧 Challenges Along the Way
Despite the exciting vision, Amaravati’s journey hasn’t been without hurdles. Political shifts and administrative bottlenecks have delayed progress in the past. Still, with renewed commitment from both state and private entities, the project is gaining momentum.
According to the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA), the focus is now on delivering core infrastructure with transparency, accountability, and environmental sensitivity.
🌎 A Global Model for Future Cities
Amaravati is not just India’s dream—it’s a global case study. Urban planners from across the world are watching closely as this city evolves from blueprint to reality. Its unique approach—building a renewable-powered city from the ground up—offers valuable insights for other rapidly growing cities, especially in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
By prioritizing green infrastructure, smart systems, and community-centric growth, Amaravati sets a gold standard for how future cities can be developed sustainably.
✅ Final Thoughts
In a world where the urban population is expected to double by 2050, Amaravati presents a radical idea—that it’s possible to build cities without compromising the environment. As it inches closer to becoming the first fully renewable-powered city in the world, Amaravati shines as a beacon of hope and a model of responsible progress.
If it succeeds, it won’t just be a win for India—it will be a win for the world.
🔗 Sources
📣 Want to see more cities follow Amaravati’s lead?
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