From Nagpur to the World: WorldOne’s 1.2 GW Solar Launch and Beyond

Nagpur, the central city of India (geographically), recently saw the emergence of a new player in the solar and components manufacturing business. Nagpur-based WorldOne Energies has commissioned a 1.2 GW high-speed solar module manufacturing line in the city, marking its formal entry into India's clean energy manufacturing landscape. The plant, backed by Founder and Manag9ing Director Murtaza Kothawala in Nagpur, and Co-Founders including Toronto-based Mark Garvin, and Dubai-based Saeed Abdullatif Almulla(CLO) and Fahad Abdullatif Almulla (COO), the firm starts with a global footprint from day 1 that it plans to leverage strongly. 

 The Nagpur facility is designed to produce N-type TOPCon Mono-Bifacial modules ranging from 525 Wp to 650 Wp under its Supreme Series — including what the company claims is India's first 650W panel.

Speaking to SaurEnergy about the rationale behind setting up operations in Nagpur, far from traditional port-based export hubs, WorldOne Energies’ Co-founder and CEO Mark Garvin said the choice was deliberate. Garvin incidentally completed his own education in Nagpur before moving to Canada.

“Nagpur holds a geographically strategic position, with nearly 300 Indian cities located within a 500 km radius of the Zero Mile marker. This makes it ideal for logistics and domestic distribution. Our focus is not entirely on exports — we are committed to addressing local market needs,” he said.

Beyond Manufacturing: EPC, Hydrogen, and Storage

While the current facility is dedicated to module manufacturing, WorldOne Energies is positioning itself as a comprehensive clean energy solutions provider. According to Garvin, the company is actively exploring the EPC space in India, specifically targeting large-scale utility and commercial & industrial (C&I) projects ranging from 300 to 400 MW. It is also looking at contract manufacturing for other firms.

“We are not focusing on rooftop solar,” he clarified, adding that the priority lies in tolling, government-oriented EPC setups, and high-capacity installations.

In addition to module manufacturing, WorldOne plans to expand into upstream integration, including solar cells, ingots, and wafers. Garvin noted that final-stage discussions are underway with multinational corporations for joint ventures in cell manufacturing, and the company is open to mergers to accelerate this transition.

The company is also advancing its presence in other clean energy verticals, including green hydrogen, with plans to enter battery storage and inverter manufacturing.

Some of these initiatives are already operational or being explored overseas, including EV charging infrastructure projects in Canada, which will support WorldOne’s North American operations.

Current Capacity and Growth Trajectory

The Nagpur plant currently has a manufacturing capacity of 1.2 GW. However, the company plans to scale this to 4-5 GW in the future. 

To support manufacturing in newer markets and regions, WorldOne is advocating for state-backed procurement commitments. Garvin suggested that governments should consider offering a guaranteed offtake — up to 50 percent of the company’s production — through mechanisms like buyback agreements or formal MoUs. 

These arrangements, which would bypass the traditional tendering process, could provide greater investment certainty and encourage deeper domestic manufacturing commitments.

Looking Beyond India

On the international front, WorldOne is taking steps to establish a presence in key global markets. The company has acquired land in Mombasa, Kenya, and is planning another manufacturing facility in the Greater Toronto Area of Canada, Garvin revealed. These plants are expected to be export-focused and will complement its partnerships with international storage and energy firms.

WorldOne is also a partner with Haier Home Appliances, a USD 400 billion firm from China, in several projects for storage, EV charging, and energy solutions in North America.

Garvin also confirmed that WorldOne is in late-stage talks with European firms for joint ventures or potential mergers in the solar cell and upstream manufacturing segment. These efforts are expected to materialise by 2026, enabling vertical integration into ingots, wafers, and cells.

Investment, Ownership, and Policy Observations

The firm’s investment to date has primarily come from its founders, who have more than 15 years of experience in the clean energy domain. Backing has also come from corporations based in the US and Dubai. Garvin expressed confidence in securing international funding for future expansions.

The company recently held a ground-breaking ceremony in Maharashtra for its green hydrogen project in partnership with a US technology firm.