Amaravati: World’s First 100% Renewable Energy City

A Global Model for Sustainable Urban Development

In a groundbreaking move towards clean energy and climate-resilient infrastructure, Amaravati—the proposed capital city of Andhra Pradesh—is poised to become the world’s first fully renewable energy-powered city. With leadership from Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and national support, this visionary project aligns with India’s green energy goals, setting new global benchmarks in smart city design and sustainable development.

Strategically positioned between Vijayawada and Guntur, Amaravati is not just another urban development. It is a symbol of futuristic planning, where eco-conscious urbanization, zero-emission mobility, and smart infrastructure converge to redefine city living.

Table of Contents

• Amaravati’s Vision: A 100% Renewable Energy City
• Why Amaravati? India’s Greenfield Smart City Ambition
• National Support and ₹65,000 Crore Investment
• Targeting 2,700 MW of Renewable Power
• Mandatory Rooftop Solar and Green Building Guidelines
• Clean Mobility: Electric Transit and EV Infrastructure
• Solar Integration in Public Spaces
• Pilot Solar Projects Already Underway
• District Cooling: Beating the Heat Sustainably
• Amaravati’s Global Relevance in Climate-Resilient Urbanization
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Amaravati’s Vision: A 100% Renewable Energy City

Amaravati is being planned from the ground up with clean energy and sustainability at its core. Unlike most cities that retrofit eco-friendly measures, Amaravati integrates green infrastructure and renewable power systems into every layer of its urban design.

With aspirations to become the first city globally powered exclusively by solar, wind, and hydropower, Amaravati represents India’s bold stance on climate action and sustainable growth.

Why Amaravati? India’s Greenfield Smart City Ambition

As a greenfield smart city, Amaravati covers 217 square kilometers along the banks of the Krishna River. It sits at the heart of the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region, which spans 8,352 sq. km., and is envisioned to:

• Foster innovation in clean urban infrastructure
• Prioritize climate resilience
• Serve as a template for other developing cities across the world

Its design focuses on inclusivity, technological innovation, and long-term sustainability, promoting a high quality of life with minimal environmental footprint.

National Support and ₹65,000 Crore Investment

Amaravati’s development is backed by a massive ₹65,000 crore investment, demonstrating the Central and State Governments’ commitment to creating a sustainable urban ecosystem. The expected inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi further signals its importance as a national model for clean growth.

The budget will be allocated across:

• Smart infrastructure development
• Green mobility systems
• Integrated renewable power generation
• Climate-adaptive building design

This significant funding not only ensures world-class infrastructure but also amplifies India’s leadership in climate action on the global stage.

Targeting 2,700 MW of Renewable Power

One of the most ambitious components of Amaravati’s master plan is the goal to generate 2,700 MW of renewable energy to meet the city’s full energy requirements by 2050.

Key energy sources include:

• Solar power
• Wind energy
• Hydropower

Currently, the focus is on securing 30% of energy from solar and wind sources in the early phases of development. This renewable-first approach is designed to phase out fossil fuels completely, making Amaravati a carbon-neutral city in the long term.

Mandatory Rooftop Solar and Green Building Guidelines

To embed sustainability at the grassroots level, Amaravati mandates rooftop solar systems in at least one-third of all government housing projects. These requirements are embedded in the building approval process, ensuring compliance from the planning stage itself.

In addition, all major public and commercial buildings, including the Amaravati Government Complex, must adhere to green building codes that emphasize:

• Energy-efficient materials
• Smart water management
• Waste recycling systems
• Environmental impact reduction

These holistic policies ensure Amaravati’s urban landscape is not only smart but sustainable and climate-resilient.

Clean Mobility: Electric Transit and EV Infrastructure

Amaravati’s urban planning prioritizes zero-emission mobility as a key pillar of sustainability. The city will feature:

• A comprehensive electric metro rail network
• A fleet of renewable energy-powered electric buses
• Widespread EV charging stations in public, residential, and commercial zones

By integrating clean transport infrastructure, Amaravati aims to reduce carbon emissions and encourage mass adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). These steps are aligned with India’s push toward sustainable mobility under the FAME India scheme and broader EV adoption goals for 2030.

Solar Integration in Public Spaces

To reinforce its clean energy ecosystem, Amaravati will install solar panels across multiple public zones, including:

• City parks and green corridors
• Walkways and pedestrian-friendly streets
• Bus stops, transit terminals, and public buildings

These decentralized systems not only contribute to the city’s energy grid but also increase public awareness of solar energy’s potential in everyday life. Public lighting, amenities, and recreational infrastructure will be powered by the sun, maximizing energy efficiency across urban touchpoints.

Pilot Solar Projects Already Underway

Amaravati’s green initiative is more than a blueprint—it’s already in motion.

A total of 415 kW of rooftop solar systems have been deployed across various public institutions, including:

• 16 Anganwadi centers
• 14 e-health centers
• 13 government schools
• A multi-faith crematorium

Additionally, net metering systems have been made mandatory for government and commercial buildings. These systems allow surplus solar power to flow back into the grid, increasing efficiency and supporting a decentralized energy model.

District Cooling: Beating the Heat Sustainably

With Andhra Pradesh experiencing record temperatures, Amaravati is tackling heat stress through District Cooling Systems (DCS)—an innovative approach to thermal management.

Partnering with Tabreed, a global leader in cooling technologies, Amaravati will install a centralized DCS with a capacity of 20,000 Refrigeration Tonnes (RT).

Key Benefits:

• Up to 50% less energy consumption for cooling
• Reduces peak power demand and carbon emissions
• Provides stable, cost-efficient cooling to buildings like the High Court and Secretariat
• Replaces traditional AC units with eco-friendly centralized systems

This system will become a cornerstone for climate adaptation in cities facing rising temperatures due to global warming.

Amaravati’s Global Relevance in Climate-Resilient Urbanization

Amaravati isn’t just a city—it’s a symbol of future-forward urban development. Its unique “greenfield” advantage allows for:

• Seamless integration of sustainable systems from the outset
• Zero-carbon mobility
• Full-scale renewable energy adoption
• Long-term climate resilience planning

Unlike most cities that retrofit green solutions, Amaravati is designed for the future—a living lab for global policymakers, urban planners, and climate advocates.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What makes Amaravati the world’s first 100% renewable energy city?Amaravati is being developed from scratch with an energy plan entirely reliant on solar, wind, and hydro power—targeting 2,700 MW by 2050, eliminating the need for fossil fuels.
2. Are rooftop solar systems mandatory in Amaravati?Yes, one-third of government housing projects must include rooftop solar systems as per building approval norms. Commercial and public structures also follow strict green building guidelines.
3. How will Amaravati promote electric mobility?The city will introduce an electric metro, renewable-powered buses, and a network of EV charging stations to encourage zero-emission travel.
4. What is the purpose of the district cooling system?To tackle heat stress, Amaravati is installing a centralized cooling system that reduces energy use and emissions while maintaining comfort during peak summer months.
5. How does Amaravati support India’s climate goals?Amaravati’s clean energy focus supports India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and its Net Zero by 2070 objective, serving as a replicable urban model for other regions.

Conclusion: Amaravati’s Legacy as a Clean Energy Capital

Amaravati is more than just a capital city in the making—it is India’s boldest leap toward a sustainable urban future. By integrating renewable energy, electric mobility, green buildings, and climate-resilient systems like district cooling, Amaravati sets a precedent for 21st-century urbanization.

As cities across the world grapple with climate change, Amaravati proves that clean energy and economic growth can co-exist. It is a beacon of hope and innovation, guiding future cities toward zero-emission development and inclusive prosperity.

Key Takeaways Table